Ireland warns motorists to remove items from cars amid heatwave

Ireland is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures forecast to reach 30 °C and a yellow heat warning in place. Authorities note that parked cars can become significantly hotter than the outside temperature within minutes.

Health officials caution that leaving medicines such as insulin, EpiPens, inhalers, diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, antibiotics and acne treatments in a hot vehicle can degrade their effectiveness. Experts also warn that lithium‑ion batteries found in vapes, e‑cigarettes, power banks and other devices may enter thermal runaway, creating fire or explosion hazards.

Drivers are urged to check their vehicles and remove heat‑sensitive items, especially battery‑powered devices, before locking the car. The advice applies throughout the weekend and into Monday, with the goal of preventing health risks and potential fires.