Southwestern Europe’s largest gateway, home to Spain and Portugal
Three new osprey chicks have been ringed at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, Cumbria, with a long-standing pair producing three healthy youngsters. The release notes that the Birds’ life history is tracked to understand habitat needs amid ongoing conservation pressures.
A prolonged heatwave continues across England with yellow and amber alerts in place. Authorities warn health risks and wildfires, while rainfall remains scarce. Cooler conditions are forecast to arrive later in the week, before temperatures rise again at the start of next week.
A total solar eclipse has swept from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland to parts of Spain and a sliver of Portugal, while much of western Europe has seen a deep partial eclipse. Crowds and tourists have flocked to the path of totality, scientific teams have livestreamed observations, and Spain has reported heavy visitor numbers and local economic benefits.
Moroccan forces have detained scores of people near Fnideq after social media calls encouraged a repeat mass crossing toward the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. Security services have used tear gas and set up checkpoints; Spain has kept extra police, soldiers and a maritime barrier in place while several news agencies were ordered to leave the Moroccan border town.
Ancient beliefs about solar eclipses have evolved into modern science. France 24 and Independent recount how eclipses shaped astronomy from Babylonian predictions to Einstein, while modern observers prepare for a total solar eclipse across Europe.
Europe endures a fifth heatwave this summer, with Spain and parts of Western and Southern Europe experiencing temperatures near or above 40C. The heat threatens public health, fuels wildfires and intensifies drought across the region, as authorities warn of ongoing risk and prepare cooling measures.
Toñi, the Iberian orca known as la abuela, has sustained dorsal-fin injuries with pellets visible in the Strait of Gibraltar. Spain and Portugal coordinate a joint investigation as conservation groups warn the nearly extinct pod faces infection risks and ongoing threats from shipping traffic.
UK forecasters have warned that a brief spell of near-summer warmth will lift temperatures across southern England this weekend, with highs reaching the mid-20s and possibly 28C in parts. The warmth is driven by a southerly flow from continental Europe, before a cooler front moves in early next week.