A rural English county of Bath, Wells and the Mendips
A heatwave has pushed wildfire risk to extreme levels across England and Wales. North Wales declared a major incident near Conwy Mountain as crews battle expanding wildfires. Similar blazes are under way in Derbyshire, the South Downs and other counties, with hundreds of firefighters battling ongoing fires and evacuations continuing.
Researchers have estimated at least 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales across May and June heatwaves, and France and Spain have reported about 1,000 excess June deaths each. Teams from Imperial College, the Met Office and LSHTM have attributed roughly 40–60% of UK heat deaths to human-caused warming; Europe recorded more than 10,000 excess deaths in late June.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and partners have extended a very high wildfire risk warning in central Highlands, southern, and eastern Scotland. Fire crews remain at multiple sites, including the Cairngorms and Arthur’s Seat, as temperatures stay hot and dry. The alert is in effect into the week, with officials urging the public to avoid outdoor fires and to stay vigilant.
A Guardian feature recounts a spring yomp through the Yorkshire Dales, navigating limestone pavements, summits of the Three Peaks, and open access terrain en route to Settle for a pub lunch. The piece highlights terrain, navigation, and seasonal wildlife.
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.
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.
A 16-year-old boy in Weston-super-Mare has been cleared of murder and manslaughter in the December 2025 stabbing of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe. The jury found the act was not intentional, though the case highlights concerns about knife crime and its impact on families and communities.
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.
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.
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.
Multiple defendants across the UK face charges or have admitted offences related to rape, sexual assault and abuse spanning decades. Cases involve a former pop star, MPs, and a group of men; proceedings are ongoing with investigations, plea changes, and upcoming trials.
Sizewell B will continue generating electricity until 2055 after a 20-year life extension, with a contract for difference guaranteeing 370.50 per megawatt-hour from 2035. The move aims to shield billpayers and secure thousands of jobs and clean power, while backing new nuclear projects.
Paved front gardens are expanding in UK towns, contributing to hotter cities and drier soils. The trend reduces green cover, increases heat retention, and raises flood risks, while garden designers and RHS data point to mitigation through trees, shade, and water harvesting.