England’s health security watchdog and UK-wide public health authority
England endures a fourth heatwave this summer, with drought conditions expanding across the country. Hosepipe bans are in place or expanding, reservoirs remain low, and experts warn that only sustained rainfall will ease the strain on water resources and wildlife.
The UK has faced a fifth heatwave this summer, with record highs in several locations. A cooler spell is moving in over the weekend, bringing rain to some drought-affected areas. Health alerts remain in place as authorities monitor ongoing drought and heat-related pressures.
UK health authorities have linked a wave of salmonella infections to imported eggs and confirmed a death. The outbreak is expanding, with over 200 cases across the UK and vulnerable groups advised to avoid undercooked eggs when dining out. British eggs are considered safe if well cooked and produced under domestic assurance schemes.
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.
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.
Heat warnings cover much of England, with amber alerts in the East Midlands, London, the South East and East England. Yellow alerts remain for Yorkshire, the West Midlands and the South West. Officials warn of health risks, drought and heightened wildfire danger as temperatures rise this 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.
A wave of studies suggests heat exposure from saunas and infrared therapies may help the body acclimate to heat and support cardiovascular health. Experts warn that benefits are long-term, not acute, and safety depends on individual health and monitoring. Readers should consider long-term heat-adaptation strategies rather than using saunas as an immediate heatwave fix.
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.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures rising to the mid-30s across England and Wales. Health alerts are in place for vulnerable groups, and authorities warn of impacts on infrastructure and water supplies as a heatwave extends into the week.
A teenager has died after entering open water near Millwall Outer Dock in London's Isle of Dogs. Emergency services recovered the body late on Monday; police say the death is unexpected but not suspicious. Officials urge caution around water and remind families to keep children safe near open water.
A 13-year-old boy has died after entering the water at Hornsea, East Yorkshire. Emergency services launched a large-scale search, and a body was recovered early this morning. The death is not treated as suspicious; the family has been informed and supported by authorities.
The NHS has been forced to confront ongoing summer pressures as heatwaves drive higher A&E attendances, equipment failures, and drought-related health risks. Officials say planning for summer pressures is now essential, with public awareness campaigns and infrastructure upgrades in focus.
The NHS is facing ongoing pressure as extreme summer heat drives high patient volumes, staff fatigue, and equipment failures. Hospitals report heat-related complications, ambulance services struggle, and care settings adapt with cooling measures and extra staff. The situation follows a series of heatwaves with warnings to protect vulnerable populations.
The UK is facing a heatwave with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s by midweek and warnings of drought across large parts of England and Wales. Authorities say millions are under water-use restrictions as dry conditions intensify, with new heat alerts and potential hosepipe bans.
A total solar eclipse has crossed parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive visible from the UK since 1999. Scientists have used airborne and balloon experiments to study the Sun's corona and the event has drawn large crowds despite patchy clouds and local viewing limits.
A fifth heatwave has prompted amber heat health alerts for most of England, with temperatures forecast to reach the mid-30s. The UK Health Security Agency warns of health and service impacts, drought conditions worsen in several regions, and officials urge precautions as authorities brace for potential disruptions to travel and power.
An international trial shows weekly HIV medication is as effective as daily doses, potentially reducing stigma and treatment burden. In Ghana, authorities reassure continued ARV availability amid distribution concerns. Nigerian and Ugandan health updates highlight high suppression rates and ongoing prevention efforts.
The UK’s partial solar eclipse is drawing crowds and triggering a frantic hunt for certified eclipse glasses. Retailers report sell-outs and long queues as shoppers scramble to view the event safely. Experts warn against looking at the Sun directly, urging indirect viewing methods.
Rising heat advisories affect millions across the central Plains to the Southeast, with temperatures pushing toward 100 F and humidity making it feel hotter. In the U.K., calls for legal maximum workplace temperatures gain momentum as workers advocate protective laws amid intensifying heat waves.