Brits to see GRITTERS out on roads for surprising reason this week – despite basking in balmy highs of 34C
With temperatures reaching 34C today, the country has been basking in record-setting temperatures.
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However, parts of the UK can expect to see gritters on the streets during the week.
While typically associated with snowy weather, this time the gritters are helping to maintain roads during the summer season.
Central Bedfordshire Council announced today that they would be sending gritters out during the hot weather.
This can help to protect roads from surface damage caused by very high road surface temperatures.
Rather than depositing salt on the road, which helps with snow and ice, these gritters will be spreading a fine layer of crushed stone.
It can help to protect the road surface, while providing extra grip for vehicles.
In an announcement on X, the council wrote: "Some parts of Central Bedfordshire are experiencing very high road surface temperatures.
"When this happens, tarmac can begin to soften which may lead to surface damage.
They added: "You might not expect to see gritters in summer, but it's an important part of looking after our roads during extreme weather conditions."
Earlier this month, Devon County Council employed a similar tactic to protect its roads.
Scots flock to park & beaches to bask in sizzling temperatures
A spokesperson for the council told the Mid-Devon Advertiser: "Following the warm weather this week, with road surface temperatures surpassing 50C, as a precautionary measure some of our newer road surfaces will receive a dusting down treatment this weekend.
"Please don't be alarmed if you see our gritters out on the network."
It comes after a particularly warm weekend that saw Brits out and about enjoying the sunshine.
The Met Office said that some parts of the UK could reach 34C this afternoon - which could be Wimbledon's hottest opening day ever.
It could break the record set in 2001 of 29.3C,
Temperatures are set to stay high in some locations during a "tropical night" of above 20C.
The scorching weather is set to continue into tomorrow, with highs of 35C predicted.
Writing on social media, the forecaster said: "Tuesday will be another hot day, though the highest temperatures will be more confined to the south east of England where 35C is possible."
It comes as hundreds of thousands of Glastonbury revellers have started returning home to make the most of the sunshine.
Britain is expected to be hotter than holiday hotspots like Ibiza, where highs of 29C are forecast.
The heat could cause issues for commuters, with Network Rail, Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express advising passengers to check before they travel today and tomorrow.
Sections of the Brighton Main Line in particular could see delays due to speed restrictions being in place.
This is due to the on track temperatures likely to hit 50C.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Sunny and hot with light winds for England and Wales with isolated heavy showers possible in the afternoon, particularly in northern and eastern England. Cooler and fresher in the northwest with a band of locally heavy rain gradually moving east.
Tonight:
Rain clearing Scotland, but cloud extending across northern England and Wales, bringing a little drizzle at times. Drier and clearer elsewhere. Very warm and muggy in the south and southeast.
Tuesday:
Hot and muggy in the southeast with the odd heavy shower possible. Bright and fresh in the northwest. Elsewhere, rather cloudy with patchy light rain or drizzle over the hills.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Fresher for all, with cloudier skies bringing spells of rain, these sometimes heavy on Wednesday and Friday, but some drier, brighter intervals as well. Temperatures near or slightly above average.
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