England’s health-security watchdog and UK-wide public health protector
The 12 August solar eclipse remains a major celestial event, with UK views ranging from 90% to 95% coverage in the south‑west. Observers are urged to use eclipse glasses and safe viewing methods as authorities emphasize ongoing safety measures. A separate lunar eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower are also confirmed for August, shaping travel and viewing plans.
A fourth case of meningococcal disease has been confirmed in Reading, Berkshire, linked to a wider social network associated with two deaths in Kent. The pupil at Westwood Farm Junior School is recovering; three cases in Reading and Henley College have prompted precautionary antibiotics for close contacts. Public risk to the wider community remains low.
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 series of cryptosporidium outbreaks linked to water companies has resulted in fines and prosecutions, underscoring ongoing failures in water safety. The Guardian, Independent reports show South West Water was fined for supplying unfit water after cryptosporidiosis outbreaks in Devon (Brixham) in 2024, with hundreds ill and thousands under boil notices. MPs and regulators criticize governance and communication as residents report long-term health impacts and enduring mistrust in tap water.
NHS England has published data showing an average of 2,241 patients daily experienced corridor care in emergency departments in May, with 669 more treated in wards. The figures highlight a national crisis, concentrated in a few trusts, as ministers pledge to eradicate the practice.
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.
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.
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.
A patient at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital is being tested for Ebola. Public Health Scotland says there are no confirmed cases in Scotland, and UK authorities are coordinating with international partners as they monitor evolving outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda.
Outbreaks of cyclosporiasis have spread across multiple US states, with New York, Illinois and Texas reporting higher case counts. The CDC is investigating clusters tied to fresh produce, and health officials urge thorough washing of fruits and vegetables to reduce risk.
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.
Measles cases have risen in England this year, prompting NHS and UKHSA to widen a catch‑up vaccination effort targeting children who missed jabs. Authorities report rising illness despite long‑standing vaccination programs, with campaigns reaching families via GPs, NHS app, and letters. The initiative aims to prevent outbreaks as authorities stress vaccines’ role in protecting vulnerable groups.
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.
Drought has been declared in parts of Wales and England as the UK endures a fourth heatwave with persistently low rainfall. Authorities warn of wildfires, stressed rivers, hosepipe bans, and growing pressures on water resources. Forecasters expect only patchy rainfall and continued high temperatures into the coming days.
A major fire at Highlands Farm on Southend Road near Rettendon has destroyed multiple industrial units and a fertiliser store. The blaze has required plus100 firefighters, with several injuries reported and ongoing investigations. The scene remains active as responders monitor hotspots.
The UK has faced a fourth heatwave with amber and yellow alerts across large swaths of England and parts of Wales. Temperatures peak midweek, with rainfall scarce and drought status declared in parts of Wales; authorities warn of health impacts and increasing wildfire risk. A cooler, wetter change is forecast to arrive later in the week.
Firefighters are containing a large wind-driven wildfire at Dunwich Heath, Suffolk. The fire has led to evacuations and a major incident status. Crews are monitoring hotspots, using helicopters and drones, with authorities warning of rekindles as weather conditions shift.
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.
UKHSA reports 67 Cyclospora cases among returning travelers since April, with 48 linked to visits to Mexico. Outbreak traced to contaminated produce in central Mexico; warning issued on food and water hygiene for summer travel to Mexico and the US. Symptoms include explosive diarrhoea and stomach cramps; most cases are mild but antibiotics are used for severe infections.