Overview

• As of early July, Central Bedfordshire Council is deploying gritters to dust vulnerable tarmac with a fine layer of crushed stone after surface temperatures climbed above 50°C. Devon County Council has also sent gritters to scatter crushed stone on newer road surfaces following similar reports of asphalt softening under intense sunshine.
• June 2025 was the hottest month on record in East Anglia, with air temperatures reaching 34°C and road surfaces absorbing enough heat to top 50°C in direct sunlight.
• The UK Health Security Agency extended amber heat health alerts across much of England into early July, warning of likely impacts on health and social care services.
• According to the Road Surface Treatments Association, asphalt begins to melt at around 50°C, making crushed stone application essential to preserve road integrity and provide extra grip for vehicles.