Gritters may be needed on Warwickshire's roads this week due to the heatwave, Warwickshire County Council has confirmed.

A departure from clearing snow in the winter, the gritters could be needed as high temperatures cause damage to highways across the county.

The council said that when road surfaces exceed 50C they can begin to melt.

Well used roads will experience this when the air temperature hits 30C - as is forecast this weekend.

In order to combat these temperatures Warwickshire's gritters are on standby to spread a light-dusting of stone dust to soak up excess tar and minimise the risk of road surfaces melting.

And the council said that stone dusting can making the roads "look unusual" but it is "very much essential and official activity".

Signs will be put in place where dusting takes place.

Cllr Wallace Redford, WCC's portfolio holder for transport and planning, said: "Our gritting fleet do a fantastic job keeping Warwickshire's residents safe and the network running throughout the winter months.

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"Many residents may be surprised to see them out at the height of summer, but their work at this time of year, preventing costly damage to the roads of Warwickshire is no less important than their cold-weather work and all contributes to ensuring our residents are supported through excellent transport infrastructure."

While road temperatures will be monitored closely by Warwickshire County Council over the coming days, residents are urged to play their part by reporting any issues on the website: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/reporthighwayproblem