It might be a barbecue weekend but don’t be surprised if the gritters are out!

Kirklees Council has warned that with temperatures of up to 30C (86F) the roads could start to melt.

A spokesman said the gritters might be called into action and added: “When the sun is out for a while, it can start to make the bitumen on the roads much softer than usual, which can alter the way drivers use our roads.

“It might not always seem too warm at 30C – although it will certainly be ice lolly weather – but the roads absorb the heat, which can make the surface almost 20 degrees hotter than the air. A change in the structure of the road can happen, which is similar to melting.

“If the sun continues shining (which we hope it does), you may see our grit lorries out and about in Kirklees. The grit lorries are out spreading fine dust, which is ground down stone – a common method used to create a non-stick surface and limit damage to the road surface.

“Drivers can keep themselves, passengers and pedestrians safe by driving a little slower and avoiding heavy braking in affected areas.”