Drivers should keep one item in cars with them at all times to ensure they can stay safe in the heatwave, as temperatures surpass 30 degrees in some areas of the UK08:52, 23 May 2026Temperatures are set to soar this weekend, with some parts of the UK expected to reach up to a whopping 33 degrees, which means if you drive, your car is going to be extremely warm.‌When it's glorious outside, we all know the importance of lathering up with SPF 50 and putting a hat on to keep safe. The NHS warns you should stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm, wear light clothing, and avoid exercise that will make you sweat even more than you already are. The UK Health Security Agency has even issued its first amber heat-health alert of 2026, warning of increased risk to vulnerable people from high temperatures in the coming days.‌The current heat health alert is in place for the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London regions.‌When you're taking trips in your car, your vehicle is likely to be extremely warm. To combat this, you should ensure that every trip you take, you carry water and soft drinks with you, as staying hydrated is so important.Content cannot be displayed without consentRAC said: "Keep a spare bottle of water and one or two soft drinks in your car at all times. Dehydration can impact your concentration and awareness levels, presenting a danger to drivers in hot weather conditions."‌Dehydration, according to the NHS, means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it's not treated, it can get worse and become a serious problem.Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:Feeling thirstyHeadache and feeling light-headedDark yellow, strong-smelling peePeeing less often than usualFeeling dizzy or lightheadedFeeling tiredA dry mouth, lips and tongueSunken eyes‌You need to ensure you're drinking enough throughout the day. In the Eatwell Guide, the government recommends people aim to drink 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day.They share you may need to drink more; however, if you're in a hot environment, which it certainly is going to be in the coming days, you'll need to ensure that you're drinking lots.The RAC also share that you can try other things to keep your car cooler, and to keep safe in the sunshine.‌You can park in the shade so the sun is not beating down on your car the whole time you park it up.Cover the seats with a blanket so you don't get a nasty surprise when you get back in the car, and you can simply remove the blanket, and then get in and drive without burning your bum.Use your car's air conditioning system to its full potential. Make sure that you've read the user manual so you can utilise it.Article continues belowThey also say that a coolbox in your car could be handy, and you can put snacks in there as well as your drinks.