England’s eastern Midlands region
The UK is facing a new spell of extreme temperatures with amber heat-health alerts in place across central, southern and eastern England. Forecasts show highs reaching the high 30s in some areas, while rain remains scarce and drought conditions deepen. Forecasters warn health services will feel the strain as the heat continues.
East Midlands Railway has temporarily reduced its Intercity timetable after continuing reliability issues with Hitachi Rail’s Class 810 Aurora trains. The move aims to stabilise services as EMR works with Hitachi to resolve faults; some services are cancelled or shortened and refunds are offered.
As temperatures surge across the UK and Europe, schools face red heat warnings. Authorities urge adaptive measures from headteachers, including flexible timings, ventilation, hydration, and possible early closures. The debate over whether to close schools or keep them open intensifies as unions demand better climate-ready infrastructure.
Emergency services are conducting a multi-agency search at Testwood Lakes, near Totton, Hampshire, after a 15-year-old boy went missing while swimming. The incident coincides with a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures around 36C. The area is closed to the public while responders search, and authorities urge the public to avoid the site.
Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, from Nottingham, has died at Nine Ladies Stone Circle in the Peak District after a summer solstice gathering. A 41-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of murder. Police are seeking witnesses and footage from June 19–23 to understand the circumstances.
The NPR project has a £45bn funding cap and aims to connect northern cities with new or upgraded rail lines. MPs warn it risks repeating HS2’s failures, with unclear costs, routes and governance. The government maintains a disciplined, phased approach while engaging mayors and Network Rail.
Keir Starmer's defence investment plan has increased funding but critics warn it remains short of targets and is not fully funded, amid concerns about the strategy and regional impacts.
Kian Bateman has been given a life sentence after fatally striking Shelley Davies and seriously injuring her partner outside a Cardiff club. He was high on nitrous oxide and did not see Davies in the road before accelerating towards Bratcher. The judge has ordered at least 17 years in prison and imposed driving bans.
A 22-year-old skydiver has died near Langar Airfield. Emergency services were called on Sunday; the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Nottinghamshire Police and Skydive Langar are cooperating as investigators work toward a coroner's file. No other injuries have been reported.
The annual UK climate report shows that 2025 was the warmest year on record, with a shift of warmer conditions moving north and uphill. Days over 30C and nights over 18C have quadrupled in London, while rainfall fell sharply and droughts became more common. Authorities warn that extreme heat, sea levels, and water shortages will shape policy and daily life ahead.
A 66-year-old Derby man died after an altercation in 2023. Two men have been charged with murder and are due in court, as police investigations continue into a case that remained unresolved for more than a year.
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.