Fenland Police issue warning over melting roads in Cambridgeshire. The recent heatwave has brought Britain to temperatures reaching 35C in some parts, with experts expecting today to be the fifth consecutive day the mercury has topped 30C, which hasn’t happened in June for over 20 years.
Today (21/06/2017) is expected to be the UK’s hottest June day since 1976, and although this may be good for some, roads across Britain have been struggling to keep up with the extreme heat.
On Monday, Cambridgeshire Police warned motorists to drive with care, as the road material had melted under the sun and was being ‘ripped off’ by tyres as cars drove over it.
Making the Most Out of Your Space
When air temperatures rise, surface temperatures get even hotter due to many factors, such as the dark colour of the roads and simply long time sun-exposure. This meant that although air temperatures peaked at roughly 35C, the surface had surpassed 40C, causing the tarmac to melt.
This creates a large need for road repair, as continuous high temperatures could be a disaster for the UK’s roads if not sorted out quickly. Any potholes caused by asphalt being removed by cars should be filled as quickly as possible, and signs of long-term road damage such as cracks should be sealed.