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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Public Journal weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
Remove aerosol cans, lighters, electronics and medication from your car during hot weather, as temperatures inside a parked vehicle can exceed 50°C, causing these items to leak, explode or degrade.
Which items should I take out of my car when it’s hot?
In Birmingham, Glasgow and other UK cities, direct sunlight can turn a parked car into a dangerous oven. Always remove pressurised containers—deodorant, sunscreen, whipped cream—because they can burst. Lithium-ion batteries in power banks and vapes also pose a fire risk. Leave nothing with a melting point below 45°C, such as chocolate bars or lip balms, and never store prescription medication in the glovebox. The live ranking above shows the most common offenders reported by readers.
How quickly does a car interior heat up?
According to the Met Office, on a 25°C day the cabin temperature can reach 40°C inside 20 minutes, and climb past 50°C within an hour. That is enough to warp plastic sunglasses frames, crack mobile phone screens and render insulin useless. Check the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK before leaving anything sensitive inside your vehicle. Even mild heatwaves in Bristol and Sheffield pose the same risks.
Can I leave sunscreen in the car during hot weather?
No. Sunscreen’s active ingredients break down above 30°C, reducing its SPF protection. Store it in a cool bag or take it with you when you park. Discard any tube that has been left in a hot car for more than an hour.
What about sunglasses and glasses?
Plastic frames can warp in direct sunlight, and lens coatings may bubble. Keep prescription glasses in a case and never leave them on the dashboard. Metal-framed glasses can become hot enough to burn skin.
Should I remove a GPS or dashcam mount?
Suction cups and adhesive pads soften in heat, causing mounts to fail. The screens themselves can suffer LCD damage above 50°C. Remove devices and their brackets whenever you leave the car parked for more than 30 minutes.
Sources
For regional updates, see the UK weather hub or check conditions in Birmingham and Liverpool before travelling.