A rural, low-lying region of the East of England, with Norwich as its historic capital
The government has announced 43 transmission projects that will qualify for a new bill-discount scheme. Households within 500 metres of qualifying overhead lines will receive up to £2,500 off electricity bills over 10 years. Payments will begin early next year, mostly applied automatically, and the scheme will be funded by a small charge on all bills.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.
Heat warnings cover much of England, with amber alerts in the East Midlands, London, the South East and East England. Yellow alerts remain for Yorkshire, the West Midlands and the South West. Officials warn of health risks, drought and heightened wildfire danger as temperatures rise this week.
UK health officials say interim data suggest 2026 could record the highest heat-related deaths, with 2,877 fatalities across May and June heatwaves—nearly double 2021 levels. Records for May and June temperatures are already in. Authorities warn the NHS faces strain as heat intensifies.
July 2026 marks one of the driest Julys on record across the UK, with England and Wales declaring drought conditions. The Met Office notes unprecedented heat and low rainfall, affecting agriculture, water supplies, and daily life. Government and Environment Agency leaders say action is underway, including infrastructure investments and stricter water use rules.
The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures rising to the mid-30s across England and Wales. Health alerts are in place for vulnerable groups, and authorities warn of impacts on infrastructure and water supplies as a heatwave extends into the week.
Archaeologists have uncovered Neolithic pits, Bronze Age huts, and hundreds of ovens in Suffolk ahead of Sizewell C construction, revealing a long span of human activity—from Neolithic farming to medieval industry. The site also shows monks’ influence on land use and suggests the economy relied on crop drying and linen production.
The UK is facing a heatwave with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s by midweek and warnings of drought across large parts of England and Wales. Authorities say millions are under water-use restrictions as dry conditions intensify, with new heat alerts and potential hosepipe bans.
The UK has faced a fifth heatwave this summer, with record highs in several locations. A cooler spell is moving in over the weekend, bringing rain to some drought-affected areas. Health alerts remain in place as authorities monitor ongoing drought and heat-related pressures.
A fifth heatwave has prompted amber heat health alerts for most of England, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30s. The UK Health Security Agency warns of health and service impacts, drought conditions worsen in several regions, and officials urge precautions as authorities brace for potential disruptions to travel and power.