UK heatwave: 'Thunderstorms and heavy downpours could follow this week’s record high temperatures'
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National Highways said motorists, in particular, should ‘prepare for all eventualities’, with the possibility that thunderstorms and heavy downpours could follow this week’s record high temperatures.
A spokesperson said: “National Highways has repeated its call for motorists to carry out vehicle checks before they set off and carry drinking water with them with soaring temperatures continuing across the country.
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Hide Ad“The Met Office has advised that extreme heat can also bring variables of weather and says thunderstorms and showers could occur later in the day and overnight once temperatures have peaked.”
National Highways said sudden rainfall onto hot and dry roads can make conditions on the road slippery for drivers because oil and grease build up through the hot weather, so motorists are ‘asked to take extra care’.
‘It is important for everyone to allow more time’
When driving in heavy rain and waterlogged roads, motorists are urged to slow down and keep well back from the vehicle in front, National Highways said.
They should also ease off the accelerator, slowing down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive.
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Hide AdMel Clarke, customer service director for operations, said: “We encourage drivers to check the latest weather and travel conditions before they travel as well as carry out important car checks such as looking at their oil, tyres and coolant levels.
"Amid the extreme heat warning we have also been advising motorists and their passengers to carry bottles of drinking water with them to keep hydrated.
“With the possibility of thunderstorms and rain later on in some areas to factor in, it is important for everyone to allow more time for their journey and drive according to the weather conditions.”
Drivers considering travelling over the coming days should; take a bottle of water before setting out to ensure you stay hydrated; plan and leave plenty of time for journeys; check the weather forecast for your destination; check your vehicle before you leave; check travel conditions before setting out and, where it is safe to do so, during journeys.
What to do in the event of a sudden downpour
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Hide AdAmong its tips for driving in the summer, National Highways said that, during particularly hot weather, you should make sure your engine stays within the normal operating temperature range.
"However, if it begins to overheat, find somewhere safe to stop and allow it to cool down,” the spokesperson said.
"Our motorways and major A roads are highly resilient to extremes of weather, including hot weather.
"The design and build standards we apply to our roads are considered best practice and are adopted by other countries around the world.
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Hide Ad“Rain makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead – significantly increasing the chances of being involved in a collision. ”
In the event of a sudden downpour during this period of hot weather, drivers should:
- Slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen and remember that stopping distances will be at least double in wet weather, because your tyres will have less grip on the road.;