Ireland heatwave: Drivers warned to cover one thing in car as temperatures could hit 31C
Drivers throughout Ireland are being advised to exercise additional caution as the nation prepares for an unusually warm period over the next few days.Temperatures are forecast to rise gradually through the weekend and into the following week, with certain weather models now indicating parts of Ireland could possibly experience highs of 30C or even 31C by Thursday. Should those predictions come to pass, they would eclipse Ireland's existing May temperature record of 28.4C, which was established in Kerry in 1997.Present weather charts indicate temperatures could reach approximately 23C on Monday before climbing as high as 28C or 29C across parts of the nation by Tuesday. On Wednesday, multiple models are suggesting temperatures could potentially soar to 31C in certain locations. Thursday is also anticipated to stay exceptionally warm, with temperatures possibly approaching 30C before cooler Atlantic conditions start to return on Thursday night, reports the Irish Mirror.Met Éireann stated temperatures will "continue to trend upwards with warm or very warm conditions" as high pressure delivers "mostly dry and settled weather" nationwide. However, while many will be celebrating the sunshine, specialists are cautioning motorists not to underestimate the hazards that warm weather can pose inside vehicles.Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, stated drivers should be particularly mindful of seatbelts, as metal buckles can rapidly heat up in direct sunlight and inflict painful burns. He explained: "Seat belts are a major cause for concern during any type of heatwave. While they are lifesavers on the roads, the metal parts have been known to cause injury on warm days when they heat up in the direct glare of the sun."They can cause serious burns to bare flesh, particularly for youngsters who might not be aware of the issue, and also pose a danger to any pets being transported." Graham is recommending motorists keep a towel or cloth handy in their motor until Thursday evening, to drape over seatbelt buckles when left parked in the sunshine.He continued: "I would therefore advise people to cover them up as best they can to ensure they stay as cool as possible. Use light coloured material and even plug them back in to keep them out of direct sunlight." He also encouraged drivers to let their motors breathe before heading off, advising: "You should also let your car cool down as much as possible before using it by opening doors and running the air conditioning for a while before you get in."Vehicles can rapidly turn into ovens during hot spells thanks to a mini 'greenhouse effect' triggered by sunlight streaming through windows and warming up interior surfaces like dashboards and seats. Graham noted that reflective windscreen covers can help slash temperatures inside cars, particularly for those with leather seats, which can get scorching hot under direct sun. Hopping into a car on a scorching day can feel like climbing into a furnace. The interior of vehicles can heat up rapidly as sunlight pours in through the windscreen and windows.He said: "Reflective window covers can also help prevent the temperature from rising too much. It can be a good idea to get covers if you have leather seats that can get especially warm."Drivers may consider turning the steering wheel 180 degrees when they get out, so the top section which you primarily hold when driving is out of direct sunlight. Try to keep your journeys short if you are travelling with children or pets, make time to stop for fresh air and ensure they stay hydrated. And, of course, you should also never leave a child or animal in a car on a hot day for any amount of time."Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
