Following an unprecedented summer marked by record-breaking heatwaves, drivers in the United Kingdom are being cautioned about a potential rise in potholes caused by extreme temperatures. The RAC has highlighted that intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation combined with high daytime temperatures can accelerate the aging process of road materials, leading to the development of cracks as surfaces cool.

The motoring organization explained that this phenomenon is similar to the way sunlight dries and cracks paint or rubber over time. This summer, which provisional data indicates as the hottest on record for the UK, saw the nation endure five distinct heatwaves, placing additional strain on road infrastructure.

Simon Williams, spokesperson for the RAC, emphasized the risks posed by these cracks: once they begin to form, the action of traffic and subsequent rainfall can rapidly exacerbate the damage, resulting in more severe road defects. These developments come amid growing public concern about road conditions, with the 2026 RAC Report on Motoring revealing that half of motorists consider the state of the country’s roads their primary driving-related worry.

Echoing these concerns, Mike Hansford, chief executive of the Road Surface Treatments Association, noted that extreme and fluctuating weather patterns—including increased summer UV exposure and harsher winter conditions—can hasten the deterioration of road surfaces.

In response to these challenges, the UK Department for Transport implemented new reporting requirements for local councils in June. These guidelines mandate councils to demonstrate increased efforts in repairing potholes and implementing measures to future-proof highways against weather-related damage.

Together, these factors underscore the growing need for proactive maintenance and infrastructure resilience as climate impacts intensify.