UK’s national weather and climate service; executive agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Public Health France has recorded 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July during an exceptional June heatwave, the highest heat-related excess mortality since 2003. France recorded 21,674 deaths against 15,910 expected; two-thirds of the excess were people aged 75 and older and more than half occurred between 25–27 June.
The National Energy System Operator has issued margin notices as Europe’s heatwave drives higher demand and lowers generation. Independent investigations are underway into whistleblower claims about record-keeping and decision making, while ministers stress grid resilience.
Southern Water has been fined £7.127m after pleading guilty to 13 offences linked to illegal sewage discharges at Margate and Broadstairs between 2019 and 2021. The judge cited a pattern of noncompliance and warned of broader environmental harm and disruption to tourism in Kent.
A suite of studies shows Europe-wide drought, driven by a hotter atmosphere, is becoming more frequent and severe. Western Europe is experiencing extreme soil drying, water restrictions, and wildfires amid rising temperatures. The drought is reshaping agriculture, energy, and water management across the continent.
Extreme heat has been driven higher by El Niño, with several countries reporting heat-related deaths and strain on infrastructure. Cities expand cooling programs as media imagery shapes urgency and readers are urged to recognize the health risks of record heat.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
Official hydrological outlook warns of below-normal river flows in central and southern England for the coming weeks, with rainfall in April 23% below average. Groundwater and reservoir levels are under pressure in the South and East, though some storage remains stable. Farmers warn on future supply; a Fens Reservoir is planned for the 2030s.
Record May temperatures are forecast to push past 33C in parts of southern England and the Midlands. Yellow health warnings cover large swaths of England, with red alerts issued for risk to life for the over-75s and those with existing conditions. The Met Office says this could break the May and spring temperature records.
A persistent heat dome has driven unprecedented May temperatures across western Europe this week, with the UK and France having broken May records (Kew Gardens provisionally 35.1°C). Ambulance services have reported record call volumes, amber heat-health alerts have been issued, thunderstorms and fires have followed the heat, and officials are urging caution around open water.
A pan-European heatwave has shattered May temperature records in the UK and France, with London and Kew Gardens reaching 35C while minimum temperatures stay above 20C for consecutive nights. Met Office warnings are in place as authorities warn of heat-related health impacts and potential storms across parts of England.
The UN's WMO has warned a record-breaking hot year is likely to occur by 2030 as El Niño strengthens, with 2027 potentially setting a new global heat record. The latest report notes rising fossil-fuel emissions and intensifying heatwaves across Europe and beyond, underlining the urgency of cutting emissions and accelerating clean energy adoption.
A cross‑country study using mobile phone data finds people retreat indoors during extreme heat, while malls and parks offer refuge. The UK and Europe face rising temperatures and pressure to adapt school and city infrastructure for resilience. Governments are rolling out heat action plans amid social inequalities in vulnerability.
Forecasts point to a warmer, drier weekend after unsettled midweek conditions. Temperatures are set to rise above seasonal norms, with some spots potentially reaching the high 20s to near 30C as high pressure builds from the south. Weather patterns remain varied across the UK, with ongoing showers and risk of thunder.
El Niño has formed in the Pacific and is expected to strengthen through late 2026, with a 63% chance of reaching a very strong level. Forecasts warn of hotter global temperatures and extreme weather, while impacts will vary by region. Scientists urge preparation and climate action as nations monitor evolving conditions.
Premium grills and connected systems are redefining Britain’s outdoor cooking. From Big Green Eggs to Wi‑Fi-enabled models, shoppers are embracing high-end gear as summers grow hotter and longer.
A sweeping heatwave has driven temperatures above historical highs across France and neighboring countries. Officials have issued red and orange alerts, with tens of millions affected as authorities warn of health risks, power disruptions, and travel delays. Several cities have seen record temperatures, while hospitals and schools adjust operating hours to cope with the extreme heat.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
A persistent high-pressure heat dome is trapping heat and humidity over continental Europe, driving record temperatures from France to the UK. The phenomenon is linked to escalating temperatures due to fossil-fuel emissions, with authorities warning of health risks, wildfires, and rising energy demand.
Europe endures a record-breaking heatwave as red heat alerts spread. Authorities warn health and infrastructure face strain while experts link extreme temperatures to climate change. UK, France, Spain and other nations are deploying measures as temperatures push past past records.
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.
South East Water has designated John Halsall as chief executive designate amid ongoing leadership upheaval after the resignation of David Hinton. Halsall pledges short-term improvements and a 2.1 billion investment to boost reliability and resilience, as the company faces repeated outages and regulatory scrutiny.
The UK is facing record heat with Met Office red alerts. RSPCA warns dog owners not to walk pets in the heat, especially in shade-free areas; Blue Cross cautions cat owners about open windows. Authorities urge hydration and cooling measures for pets.
Provisional temperatures have surpassed long-standing June records across England, with 35.8C in Wigonholt and 35.7C in Charlwood, amid a Met Office red heat warning. Forecasters say figures could climb further as a heat-dome over western Europe drives extreme heat, health warnings are in place, and schools and transport are disrupted.
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.
A multi-country heatwave has pushed Europe to record temperatures, with the UK recording its hottest June day. Health alerts remain in place in parts of Europe as authorities warn of heat-related risks and disruptions to transport and daily life.
European heat waves persist with record-setting temperatures across multiple countries. Authorities warn of health risks, power strains, and disruptions to travel and schooling. Forecasters expect a gradual cooldown starting Friday, as the continent faces a second consecutive heat dome driven by high pressure.
A historic heatwave has swept across Europe, setting temperature records and stressing infrastructure and health systems. Scientists say climate change has doubled the odds of such events, with millions affected as cities grapple with heat-related disruptions and rising energy demand.
The UK is under a red heat warning as a spell of extreme heat drives record temperatures across southern England and Wales. Hospitals declare incidents, water companies enforce hosepipe bans, and travel is disrupted as rail and road networks struggle to cope.
A continent-wide heatwave has intensified, with France, the Netherlands and Belgium reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures shatter records. Health systems are strained, and wildfires and droughts are spreading across southern Europe. Officials warn that climate change is driving more extreme heat, with record highs continuing into the coming days.
Andy Burnham has consolidated support after Makerfield by-election and is positioned to lead Labour. Polls show rising backing, but MPs warn against an early general election. He faces the task of forming a new government and defining a policy agenda, with a potential reshuffle and cabinet choices pending.
Europe endures a record heat wave tied to climate change as France faces rising deaths. Only ~20% of European homes have air conditioning, compared with ~90% in the U.S., highlighting a widening cooling gap and policy tensions across the continent.
A heat dome has pushed temperatures to dangerous levels across the central and eastern United States. Forecasters warn heat indexes could reach 40–46C (104–115F), with nights offering little relief. Emergency measures are under way in several cities as heat threatens the holiday weekend.
A wave of heat-related challenges is unfolding as global households face rising energy bills, with heat waves intensifying the demand for cooling. Governments are weighing support for low-income families while debates over air conditioning and fan use continue across regions.
The UK’s seas are experiencing an extreme marine heatwave, with temperatures averaging 2C above normal and pockets 4–5C hotter. The pattern follows a Europe-wide heat dome, and global sea surfaces have topped records for the time of year. Scientists warn of mass-mortality risks for marine life and shifts in species distribution.
UK households face water-use restrictions as heatwaves push demand. South East Water and Southern Water have introduced temporary hosepipe bans in Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with further restrictions possible as a third heatwave of the year looms. The Met Office warns continued extreme temperatures, while water firms stress reduced outdoor use to protect supplies.
A European heatwave has intensified, with records shattered across multiple countries. New analyses attribute a substantial share of heat-related deaths to human-caused climate change, while authorities warn of ongoing health and infrastructure pressures as temperatures stay high.
The National Energy System Operator has issued a margin notice for Thursday evening due to extreme European temperatures, marking the third such notice this year. The move signals a higher cushion between demand and supply, as heat drives up electricity use and strains generation.
Wildfires across England and Wales remain at very high to exceptional risk as heatwave conditions continue. North Wales declared a major incident near Conwy Mountain; firefighters are battling blazes in Conwy, Glossop, Tintwistle Moor and other sites as temperatures stay dangerously high. Authorities urge caution and continued vigilance.
A wildfire near Bedar in Almería has killed 13 people, with several British nationals among the dead. Rescue teams have recovered multiple bodies and rescued two British hikers who survived with severe burns. The CID is processing missing-person reports as authorities warn of continuing danger amid a heatwave across Europe.
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.