Drivers warned not to leave dangerous item in their car this week

Drivers have been warned to avoid leaving one dangerous item in their car this week. Another heatwave is set to blast the UK this week with temperatures reaching 34C.

The Met Office predicted that parts of England are "likely to reach heatwave criteria by midweek", and weather maps predict the majority of the UK will enjoy temperatures above 25C. According to weather maps by WXCharts, the hottest temperatures will be felt at the border of Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Cambridgeshire one day this week. On Wednesday, August 13, Norfolk could peak at 33C, Birmingham will reach 31C, Bath could hit 30C, and London and Surrey will bask in 30C. And in soaring, 30C-plus temperatures, a retailer has warned about keeping their products inside a hot car. WickdUp, the rechargeable vape retailer, warns that lithium-ion batteries inside everyday electronics become dangerously unstable as in-car temperatures climb past 30C.

Forgotten devices left on dashboards, seats, or in gloveboxes can quickly turn from harmless gadgets into serious fire hazards. Vapes, power banks, and other gadgets can swell, leak, or even burst into flames when exposed to the sun.

Mike Byers, Rechargeable Device Expert at WickdUp, said: “We’ve all left a phone or vape in the car at some point. But in this heat? That simple habit could spark a disaster. Take your devices with you — it’s a tiny step that could save you thousands.”

WickdUp created a summer parking safety checklist that includes always taking rechargeable devices with you - even if you’re stepping away for just a few minutes and never leaving electronics in direct sunlight on dashboards or seats.

It also urged drivers to avoid storing gadgets in glove compartments, where heat builds rapidly and to check devices regularly for signs of swelling, cracks, or heat damage.

Cheap or counterfeit devices are especially risky, and some car insurance policies may not cover fire damage caused by improperly stored electronics.

Mike Byers adds: “Imagine stepping out for five minutes — and coming back to smoke, damage, or worse. With travel season in full swing, don’t let one small mistake ruin your holiday, leave you stranded or write off your car.”