4 Items you must remove from your car:

1. Medication
Many medications lose potency or become unsafe above 25°C. Life-saving drugs like EpiPens, insulin or antibiotics can be rendered useless or even harmful if left in hot vehicles. Check labels carefully and take all medication with you.

2. Fizzy drinks
Cans and cartons expand and can explode in extreme heat, coating your upholstery in a sticky mess. Even sealed drinks are at risk, experts urge motorists to clear out all beverages before the weekend.

3. Mobile
Phones left in hot cars can overheat, suffer battery damage, or even catch fire. The warning message “iPhone needs to cool down” is no joke, intense heat can permanently warp internals. Never leave devices on the dashboard or seats.

4. Sunglasses
Plastic frames and lenses can warp, crack, or discolour when left in the sun. Designer pairs are especially vulnerable. Store them in the glove box or take them with you.

Mike Silverstone, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Higher temperatures building over the weekend and into early next week will bring particularly warm, hot or even very hot conditions for some, especially in the southeast and East Anglia.”

He added: “By the weekend, an area of high pressure will be intensifying. Temperatures could exceed 30°C on Sunday and climb to around 34°C on Monday.”

The UK Health Security Agency has issued Amber and Yellow Heat-Health Alerts for England, warning of risks to vulnerable people and strain on healthcare services.