Heatwave weather warning: UK drivers told roads could MELT if scorching temperatures hit 35C

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Motorists have today been warned that roads in London could start to melt as temperatures in the capital hit a sweltering 35C.

The RAC told the Standard this morning roads may begin to soften in the extreme heat - causing surfaces to become sticky, which can lead to cars losing grip.

The warning comes after Britain sizzled in 33.3C heat yesterday - officially the hottest day of the year - with forecasters warning temperatures will continue to soar towards the end of the week.

The Met Office, which recorded the high temperature in Suffolk yesterday, said there is a slim chance the hottest day on record - when 38.5C (101.3F) was recorded in Faversham, Kent, in August 2003 - could be smashed in the next few weeks.

Scorching temperatures have turned Britain's parks yellow
EPA

Today, temperatures of about 28C were predicted, with 32C forecast on Thursday and 31C on Friday.

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “In the sweltering heat, the temperature of roads and pavements is generally far higher than the air temperature. While it’s not hot enough to fry an egg on - not that we’d ever recommend that – some surfaces are likely to get sticky with the heat. This can cause vehicles to lose grip, so drivers shouldn’t be surprised to see gritters out in a few places by the end of this week.

Brits have flocked to UK beaches as the mercury rises
Getty Images

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning advising people to stay out of the sun until the end of the week.

Sales of many heatwave-related products have also spiked, with sales of air-cooling fans on Amazon up 2,100 per cent in the first three weeks of July compared to the same period in May, when the weather was on average a more modest 17C

Over the same period, the online retail giant has also seen a 130 per cent increase on sales for outdoor furniture sets, a 650 per cent spike on selected swimming pools - such as the £83 Intex Frame Pool - and a 500 per cent rise in inflatable hot tubs.

Data analysts Nielsen revealed this morning UK shoppers spent 4.5 per cent more on groceries in the last four weeks to July 14 with items like beef burgers (up 35 per cent) and olives (up 10 per cent) among the top sellers. Fresh pizza (up 14 per cent), Sushi (also up 14 per cent) and prepared fruit salads (up 10 per cent) have also been popular.

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