Between the bright sun and soaring temperatures, you may think it seems like an odd time of year for gritters to be out in force. However, the same fleet of vehicles that treats icy roads in the winter could soon be spotted working on roads across the north east.
The Met Office has issued the majority of England with either a red or amber warning for "extreme heat". Weather officials have warned that temperatures could exceed 40C over the course of Monday and Tuesday, with Durham expected to be warmer than Barbados with highs of 35C predicted on Monday.
According to the NHS, there are on average 2000 heat-related deaths every year in England alone, with dehydration and heatstroke the main risks. But humans and pets aren't the only things at risk, as the extreme temperatures also threaten to damage infrastructure across the UK, including many of our roads.
READ MORE: North East hour-by-hour weather forecast as heatwave brings scorching temperatures
That's because extreme heat can melt road surfaces, making them tacky and dangerous for vehicles to drive on. Gritting crews have been put on standby to step in and spread a light coating of sand over the surface of hot roads.
This helps to soak up any excess tar and prevent roads from melting. Ahead of the heatwave, Durham County Council posted a video of one of their gritters out and about to let residents know how it works and what to expect.
Taking to Facebook, the council wrote: "If you see one of these in the next few days, your eyes are not deceiving you – it is a gritter out on one of the hottest days of the year. Instead of spreading salt, our staff are on standby to sand the roads to help prevent the tar from melting in these high temperatures."
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