Irish motorists warned to keep these five items out of the car amid scorching temperatures
Temperatures are set to soar to 28 degrees this week
Temperatures are set to soar this week as Met Éireann have forecast highs of 27 degrees across Ireland.
While we may enjoy the glorious, seldom seen this summer, sunshine, we may not be used to the swealtering heat and the hazards that can come with it.
Experts have given advice on how to protect those who are vulnerable, including our pets, from the heat but now they have issued some serious advice for Irish motorists.
As the temperatures rise, it's common knowledge to not leave pets or young children in the car on a hot day but the below five items that may seem completely harmless could be potentially hazardous if left in the car.
1. Bottle water
Although water is essential to have on hand on a hot to day to keep hydrated, experts say bottled water left in a car in scorching temperatures can be dangerous.
Bacteria can thrive in plastic bottles especially in hot and humid conditions, as it can seep into the water. Plastic bottles can also reflect the sunlight, heating the plastic up and potentially becoming a fire hazard.
2. Sunglasses
Another great item to have to hand when the sun is glaring, especially when driving, but experts have warned leaving the sunglasses on the dashboard as the sun shines through the screen can distort or crack the lenses or even worse, melt the plastic frames.
3. Suncream
A must when the sun is shining, especially in Ireland, but experts have warned against leaving the factor 50 in the car in high temperatures as the heat can actually compromise the active ingredients within and reduce the cream's effectiveness.
Better off storing it in a cool, dry location.
4. Medication
Both hot and cold temperatures can interfere with medication and reduce its effectiveness, which is why it's always advised to store medications at room temperature.
Medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and especially insulin will be affected by scorching temperatures.
5. Chargers and power banks
Experts have always issued warning on chargers and power banks and the correct ways to use them i.e. not leaving them plugged in for long periods of time.
This also goes for leaving them in the car. Chargers and power banks left in the heat for too long have the scary potential to explode or melt, so definitely best to leave them at home.