Arctic-alpine plateau range in eastern Highlands, heart of a national park
The government has announced a national wildfire resilience push, drafting RAF aircraft to help firefighting efforts, restoring peatlands as natural firebreaks, funding PPE for crews, and launching an AI unit to speed detection and response. The plan follows a record 2026 wildfire season and heat waves across Europe.
A large wildfire near Dunwich Heath in Suffolk has stabilised after several hours of rapid spread. About 90 firefighters are on scene with major incident status, while evacuations continue and nearby sites remain monitored. Authorities say no immediate threat to Sizewell B, and weather conditions drive ongoing containment efforts.
More than 300,000 people have been evacuated from France and Spain as intense wildfires have burned record areas and authorities warn of another heatwave. France has seen its worst fires in two decades; Spain has reported its largest blazes near Madrid. UK services have also faced a surge of fires and an amber heat-health alert.
A wildfire on Dunwich Heath near Minsmere has burned hundreds of acres, destroying habitat for rare species. Firefighters have stabilised the blaze, while authorities urge caution and local volunteers rally to support habitat recovery through fundraising and long-term stewardship.
A wildfire in Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore has burned thousands of acres of moor and woodland since July 15. More than 500 firefighters have tackled the blaze. A £3 million fund administered by Highland Council is established to support businesses hit by disruption, with ongoing cordons and reopening plans.
European wildfires are intensifying amid prolonged drought and hotter summers. Authorities are scaling up cross-border firefighting, while experts warn prevention and land management must adapt to a warming climate. The cost to homes, farms and insurers is rising, prompting talks on resilience and reform of forest policy.
The UK faces a heat- and drought-driven summer, with wildfires flaring across England and Scotland. The Fire Brigades Union is calling for more equipment and funding, while authorities warn drought and heat will persist, demanding national resilience and clearer emergency planning.
Forecasters have confirmed a very strong El Niño that has pushed Pacific sea-surface temperatures well beyond historical thresholds and is already altering global weather. The Met Office says the event is unprecedented in modern records; governments in Central and South America have declared alerts as droughts and extreme heat are damaging crops and water supplies now and into 2027.
The latest data show global sea temperatures have reached record highs in August 2026 as El Ni 0o intensifies, driven by natural variability and long-term warming. Forecasts indicate the warmth will continue into 2027, with wide-ranging impacts on weather, seas and economies. Governments warn of increased risks to vulnerable communities and fisheries.
A series of wildfires across the Cairngorms has prompted renewed questions about preparedness, insurer risk, and climate resilience as autumn floods loom. Fire crews faced weeks of operation with evacuations and dry conditions highlighting longer-term risks and response gaps.
A wave of UK and European travel pieces are steering readers toward autumn getaways, with Cornwall topping a reader travel awards and St Ives standing out as a surf-and-art hub. Pieces highlight off-season value, non-flight stays, and regional diversity.
Auditor General reports ScotWind revenues have been drawn down to £96m with £507m expected by 2031; government promises transparency as developers’ long-term leases determine future income and public value.