Overview

• The Met Office forecasts highs of 33°C before the end of June and experts warn that greenhouse heating can push car interiors above 50°C within 30 minutes.
• Pressurised lighters and aerosol cans can explode in extreme heat, risking fires and costly damage to upholstery and dashboards.
• Lithium-ion devices, such as power banks and phone batteries, may swell, leak toxic chemicals or ignite when left in hot vehicles.
• Convex eyeglass lenses and water bottles can focus sunlight to ignite materials, and plastic bottles may release endocrine-disrupting chemicals under heat.
• Motoring specialists advise drivers to remove all heat-sensitive items and crack windows partially to reduce pressure build-up.