WeatherHeatwaveThe RAC has issued a warning to UK drivers to stay off the roads unless journeys are essential amid a red heat weather warning as breakdowns are likely to soar07:54, 23 Jun 2026UK motorists have been issued a 'do not drive' warning for Wednesday, as a red weather warning has been issued by the Met Office.‌Rod Dennis, road safety spokesperson at RAC, has asked drivers in areas covered by the warnings to avoid non-essential journeys if their vehicles do not have effective air conditioning.‌He warned that vehicles will face a higher chance of breaking down due to the heat.‌The RAC also urged drivers to exercise "patience" as wait times for roadside assistance is expected to soar.The Met Office's red weather warnings are in effect for Wednesday and Thursday. A red health warning has also been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).‌Areas included in this include the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England.Dennis added that these kinds of warnings are "rare" and the RAC "urge everyone to take them seriously this week”.He said: “Drivers whose vehicles don’t have effective air conditioning should strongly consider postponing any non-essential car journeys until the Met Office’s weather warnings are lifted and temperatures drop.‌“If this isn’t possible, our best advice is to travel during cooler times of day.”This week is set to see record-breaking temperatures for June, which will also trigger a record-breaking number of call-outs to broken down vehicles.Dennis added: “Our last busiest June was three years ago, but there’s every chance that could be eclipsed this week as temperatures soar."‌Speaking on Monday he said: "Today we expect breakdown volumes to be around 20% higher than what’s normal for a Monday in late June.“We ask anyone who breaks down to be patient while breakdown providers prioritise the most urgent roadside jobs.“The heatwave will affect services right across the UK and while all patrols will be working incredibly hard to assist drivers, longer waits are more likely.”Article continues belowThe AA said drivers could also see gritters out on some roads this week with the potential for surfaces to soften or become sticky under the heat, with heavy traffic even causing them to rut in some places.Off the roads, public transport and train lines are also expected to see chaos with services facing disruption and running reduced schedules.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌The AAMet OfficeHeatwavePublic transportFitness