The Swedish Transport Administration has warned road users to be extra vigilant as a heat wave predicted over the next few days is set to affect road conditions.
"High temperatures can lead to unexpected and dangerous situations in road traffic", the Swedish Transport Administration warned on its website, writing that motorists should be aware of an increased risk of vehicle breakdown as well as "bleeding asphalt," a phenomenon where road grip deteriorates quickly on asphalt that has become overheated.
Newly paved roads are particularly in danger of "bleeding asphalt."
Authorities also advise always having water with you in the car and keep an eye on current traffic information.
SMHI has previously issued a yellow warning for high temperatures on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Stockholm, Jönköping and Karlstad are among the cities that can expect three days where the temperature could reach over 30 degrees.
The elderly, children and other risk groups are particularly vulnerable in high temperatures. At the Kornellen nursing home in Örebro, they are ready, development manager Jessica Guvenal told Swedish newswire TT. They have received clear information from the municipality about how they should monitor fluid intake and sun protection.
"We have fans and AC, but the building we are in is newly built and has a very good indoor climate, so we haven't had to bring them out yet," she said.
Outdoors, sun hats and cold drinks are the order of the day.
"We offer popsicles, vanilla ice cream and drinks depending on what is desired. And apply sunscreen. It is especially important to pay attention to signals, if someone cannot express themselves, we are there and are in control," she said.
On Tuesday (July 14th), the Swedish Transport Administration also announced that certain train routes in Småland and Värmland would be closed due to the risk of 'sun curves' – a phenomenon where heat from the sun expands train tracks, which can cause train derailment.
Scientists have shown that recurring heatwaves are a clear marker of global warming – primarily caused by burning coal, oil and gas – and warn they are set to become more frequent, longer and more intense.