Motorists across the United Kingdom are being advised to make use of a specific feature inside their vehicles this week to combat a critical safety hazard linked to the ongoing wet weather.
The call to action follows a period of severe conditions brought by Storm Goretti last week, which delivered powerful winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy snowfall. While the ice has now melted, persistent rainfall continues to drench the nation.
Essential Advice for Improved Visibility
With the Met Office issuing fresh weather warnings and predicting further downpours, the RAC has published crucial guidance for those who need to travel. A key piece of advice focuses on maintaining clear visibility.
RAC consumer editor Barney Cotton explicitly recommends drivers switch on their car's air conditioning system to prevent the windscreen from steaming up. "Keep your air conditioning on, as this will stop your windows from misting up," stated Cotton. He also directed motorists to the organisation's full online guide for rapid demisting techniques.
Planning is Key for Safe Travel
Beyond the immediate tip about air conditioning, the RAC emphasises the importance of preparation during periods of intense rainfall. Barney Cotton advised drivers to first consider if their journey is absolutely necessary and to delay travel if possible until conditions improve.
For essential trips, he recommends the following steps:
- Plan your route in advance, deliberately avoiding areas known to be susceptible to flooding.
- Allow extra time for your journey to account for slower driving speeds and potential traffic congestion.
- Inform relatives or friends of your intended route and expected arrival time.
- Travel with others where feasible for added safety.
Met Office Warns of Further Unsettled Conditions
This safety guidance comes as the Met Office signalled a significant shift in the UK's weather pattern. On Sunday, Chief Meteorologist Mathew Lehnert explained that mild Atlantic air is being pushed across the country by areas of low pressure.
"We’ll see a transition in our weather across the UK through Sunday, with mild Atlantic air moving in from the west," said Lehnert. "Temperatures will rise and we’ll see rain rather than snow accompanying some strong gusty winds in the north."
He confirmed that warnings have been issued for heavy and persistent rain and strong winds, particularly for western and northern Scotland. Furthermore, the combination of rainfall and rising temperatures melting significant snow accumulations in Scotland raises a tangible risk of flooding in some regions.
While the immediate wintry threat has passed, the subsequent wet and windy conditions present a new set of challenges for UK road users, making the RAC's advice more pertinent than ever.
