The UK is set to be hit by a heatwave this bank holiday weekend with temperatures expected to soar to 33C in some parts of the country14:20, 22 May 2026Drivers have been warned to keep a specific item in their car over the coming days as temperatures soar to 33C in some parts of the country. The Met Office has forecast an exceptional period of warmth, with notable heatwave-like conditions expected this bank holiday weekend. The scorching temperatures are set to persist through Tuesday before easing slightly from Wednesday onwards.‌Yet while the glorious weather may be a welcome treat for many, motorists have been cautioned to remain vigilant when using their vehicles. Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, is advising drivers to be mindful of the hidden hazards lurking inside their cars and to keep one particular item on hand to help minimise the risks, reports the Express.‌He said: "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 direct sunlight.‌"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." Mr Conway is encouraging motorists to keep a piece of cloth or a towel in their vehicle that can be draped over the metal buckle of a seatbelt to reduce the risk of burns."I would therefore advise people to cover them up as best they can to ensure they stay as cool as possible," he said. "Use light coloured material and even plug them back in to keep them out of direct sunlight." He added: "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."‌Driving on a sweltering day can sometimes feel like climbing into a furnace. Vehicles frequently reach scorching temperatures inside as sunlight pours through the windscreen and windows.Heat is soaked up by interior surfaces such as seats and the dashboard, which tend to be dark in colour, before being radiated back into the surrounding air. This becomes trapped inside in a mini 'greenhouse effect' meaning a prolonged spell inside can be deeply uncomfortable and even hazardous.Mr Conway added: "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.‌Content cannot be displayed without consent"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."Article continues belowIf you do suffer a burn, acting quickly will minimise the damage. First, cool the burn by immediately immersing the affected area in cool, running water. If you are driving, having clean bottled water is a handy alternative if you cannot get to a sink. Once cool, apply a clean and dry dressing.Cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or sterile dressing. The NHS website has lots of helpful information about treating burns yourself and when it might be necessary to seek expert medical attention.