Ethan Blackshaw

A total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, will be visible from Gibraltar, where totality is expected to last four minutes and 32 seconds. The event will also be visible across parts of southern Spain, North Africa, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Suggested Gibraltar viewing locations include Casemates Square, Queensway Quay, Ocean Village and the Skywalk in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. Solar astrophysicist Ryan French describes it as the longest remaining eclipse in current lifetimes and says the predominantly sunny, desert climate along much of the path could provide favorable viewing conditions.

Heavy rain and cooler temperatures are forecast across much of Scotland on Thursday, with the Met Office identifying 29 areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland that could experience downpours. Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick said showers would be concentrated in northern areas, where some could be heavy, while BBC Weather warned that storms were possible in northern Scotland. Conditions are expected to become drier and sunnier for much of the UK over the following days, although Scotland and Northern Ireland may continue to see isolated showers.

Scotland could experience warm weather next week, with temperatures potentially reaching 28°C in northern and Scottish regions and the mid-to-high 20s in the south and east. Northern and western areas may initially see cloud and patchy rain before brighter conditions develop. A GEFS model run showing a possible 45°C temperature in south-east England is considered an extreme outlier, although several models indicate a genuine heat surge, with very warm conditions expected across parts of England and Wales.

Forecasters expect the UK heatwave to ease briefly before temperatures rise again later in July, with Scotland set to remain warm but cooler than parts of England. Models indicate highs exceeding 35C in several English counties, while areas around Inverness may reach 27C and the central belt around 25C. The Met Office forecasts above‑average temperatures through late July with increasing chances of rain and thunderstorms as high pressure weakens.

Forecasts indicate temperatures in Scotland will fall sharply after a brief hot spell, with highs near 29C expected in several areas before dropping to as low as 7C by July 22. Data from ECMWF and WX Charts shows much of the country dipping below seasonal averages, while official outlooks from the Met Office and BBC highlight a mix of cloud, rain, and possible thundery showers over the coming days.

A 22-year-old neo-Nazi, Alfie Coleman, was sentenced to 13 and a half years for preparing terrorist acts after an MI5 sting caught him attempting to purchase a pistol and ammunition. Evidence showed he had developed extreme right-wing views from a young age, compiled hate lists, drafted attack plans, and attempted to obtain multiple weapons. A search of his home uncovered extremist materials, weapons and correspondence with a far-right group. Prosecutors described him as a high risk to the public, while the judge declined a life sentence due to mitigating factors including age, vulnerability and lack of prior convictions. Authorities highlighted his self-radicalization through online extremist content.

A bomb explosion in a Monaco residential building critically injured Ukrainian billionaire Vadim Yermolayev, his wife, and a 13‑year‑old boy, prompting a major emergency response involving firefighters and police from Monaco and France. Authorities identified a suspect seen on CCTV leaving a backpack at the site before fleeing toward Beausoleil. Prince Albert II condemned the attack, praised security forces, and emphasized continued cooperation with French authorities as a judicial investigation proceeds. Four additional people were treated for shock or minor injuries, and the affected area was secured while forensic teams gathered evidence.

Authorities identified the body of 11-year-old Lyhanna in a disused grain silo, leading to renewed scrutiny of how repeated allegations against the suspect, a 41-year-old man previously accused of multiple rapes, were handled. Officials confirmed that earlier complaints by young girls had been closed or stalled between jurisdictions, prompting criticism from President Emmanuel Macron and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, who cited serious system failures and launched an overarching investigation.

Forecast models show temperatures across the UK dropping well below seasonal norms next week, with parts of Scotland potentially reaching 1–2C. ECMWF projections indicate widespread sub‑10C readings at dawn through mid‑week, while southern England may hold near 10C. Met Office guidance warns of breezy, changeable conditions with rain early in the period before a possible shift to more settled weather later in June.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast across much of Scotland and other UK regions as a south‑shifted jet stream brings low pressure on Wednesday. The Met Office warns of difficult morning travel conditions as rain spreads from Northern Ireland, Wales and the South West before moving northeast. Temperatures are expected to peak at 21C in the south and 19C in the north, with unsettled weather continuing through the week. BBC Weather predicts a mix of cloud, rain, sunny spells and possible thunderstorms from Wednesday through Saturday.

Forecast models indicate Scotland will experience above‑average temperatures, with central areas expected to reach the low 20s and peaks up to 24C. Parts of the UK may see highs of 30C between June 11 and 16, especially in the southeast, with warm conditions spreading as far north as Yorkshire. The Met Office projects a generally settled start to mid‑June with above‑normal temperatures, followed later by increased chances of heavy showers, thunderstorms, and potentially hot conditions in southern regions.

Forecasts indicate the UK will experience record May temperatures reaching up to 35C before a sharp downturn in early June, with models suggesting temperatures may fall near freezing in parts of Scotland. Heatwave conditions are expected to persist through Thursday, with official thresholds likely to be met. Climate models highlight a significant temperature anomaly for early June, pointing to widespread below‑average conditions across the UK.

Warm air is expected to bring temperatures up to 24C across parts of Scotland during the late May bank holiday weekend, with some areas of England possibly reaching 25C. Forecast models show widespread low to mid‑20s temperatures and above‑average conditions, highlighted by temperature anomaly maps. The Met Office anticipates a shift toward more settled weather as high pressure builds, with the broader outlook indicating rising temperatures and lighter winds later in the period.

A man who sexually abused three boys and faked severe disabilities to avoid prosecution was jailed for 15 years plus an extended term, while his brother received a shorter sentence for helping to deceive authorities. Evidence including social media posts, CCTV footage and witness accounts showed that the offender was fully capable despite claiming serious impairments. The judge condemned both men for undermining the justice system, and prosecutors highlighted how their active social lives contradicted their fabricated conditions. Defence lawyers argued that the brothers came from a dysfunctional background and that the offender’s health issues were exaggerated by relatives for financial gain.

A man who sexually abused three boys avoided trial for years by faking severe physical and mental disabilities with help from his brother. CCTV, social media posts and eyewitness accounts showed him walking, socialising and speaking normally despite his claims. A jury confirmed the abuse, and further assessment found no basis for his claimed incapacity. Both brothers admitted perverting the course of justice, with the offender receiving a 15‑year sentence plus an extended term and his brother nearly three years in prison. Victim statements highlighted ongoing trauma, while defence lawyers cited family dysfunction and longstanding exaggerations of ill health.

Police arrested a man near Denmark Road Sports Centre in Manchester after reports he brandished a knife and assaulted an officer. The suspect was detained on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, carrying a bladed weapon and possessing class B drugs. Streets around the scene were cordoned off as multiple police units responded, and the injured officer received treatment. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area and motorists to use alternative routes.

Weather models suggest a warm spell between May 21 and 24, with temperatures potentially reaching 24C in southeast England and 20C or higher across 35 counties in England and Wales. The Met Office forecasts initially cooler and unsettled conditions but expects temperatures to become rather warm toward the end of May, especially in southern regions. Northern Ireland and Scotland are expected to remain cooler during this period.

Snow is possible in the Northern Isles as cold air brings temperatures down to around –5C overnight in northern regions, while the rest of the UK remains mostly dry with some showers. Conditions stay below seasonal averages before gradually warming later in the week, with increasing chances of showers and rain toward the weekend.

Temperatures across the UK are forecast to drop sharply, with the Met Office warning of lows down to –5C in Scotland and below freezing in parts of England as northerly winds bring a cold snap. Daytime temperatures will fall significantly compared with the recent warm spell, with some showers expected but generally dry conditions. BBC Weather forecasts similar patterns. Temperatures are expected to return to seasonal averages later in the month amid a changeable weather pattern.

Temperatures across Scotland and England are forecast to rise sharply on Friday, with parts of the UK expected to reach between 24C and 26C. Weather models indicate that 38 counties, all in England and Scotland, will reach 20C or higher, while western regions may experience showers. Warm conditions are expected to continue into Saturday before more unsettled weather moves in over the weekend. Despite the spike, the conditions are not expected to meet the criteria for an official heatwave.

Friedrich Merz criticised stalled US-Iran peace efforts, arguing Iran was humiliating the United States after unproductive talks. Donald Trump responded on social media, accusing Merz of misunderstanding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and warning of global danger if Iran acquired a nuclear weapon. Merz, who has allowed the US to use Ramstein air base for operations, questioned Trump’s strategy for ending the conflict. A leaked memo suggested the US was considering penalties for NATO allies not fully supporting the war.

A Jet2 Boeing 737 flying from Dalaman to Glasgow declared a Squawk 7700 emergency over the North Sea but landed safely after receiving priority clearance into Glasgow Airport. The cause of the incident remains unknown. The article also highlights a wider wave of global flight cancellations driven by a sharp spike in jet fuel prices linked to Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz and heightened U.S.–Iran tensions. Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Eivind Roald warns further cancellations are likely, noting his airline already suspended London–Los Angeles services due to fuel cost risks.

A 12-year-old girl, Brooke Wiggins, was killed when a concealed crack in a beech tree caused a branch supporting a rope swing to snap in Banstead, Surrey. An inquest revealed Surrey County Council had been advised in 2022 to remove ivy covering the tree for proper inspection, but the work was never completed and a scheduled 2024 re-inspection did not occur. Council manager Katherine McDonald stated the recommendation was not a firm plan and competing priorities delayed action. The council’s policies on rope swing removal and public safety signage were examined, with no warnings posted at the site. A serious incident group was formed after the death, and the tree was reduced to a trunk despite being healthy to prevent future risks.

Norse Atlantic Airways has cancelled flights between London Gatwick and Los Angeles due to a sharp rise in jet fuel prices linked to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. CEO Eivind Roald warned that more cancellations are likely across the airline industry as the global fuel crisis continues, intensified by Iran’s control of the waterway and U.S. naval actions ordered by Donald Trump. The airline said the move is necessary to protect its operations and support passengers affected by disruptions.

Two local trains collided head‑on near Kagerup in North Zealand before 6:30am, injuring up to 17 people, including four in critical condition. Emergency services deployed multiple ambulances, a helicopter and armed forces personnel, and all passengers were evacuated. Authorities described the incident as a serious accident on a line used heavily by local residents and schoolchildren.

Forecast models indicate a late‑April warm spell across the UK, with temperatures potentially exceeding 20C in 28 counties and reaching up to 23C in southern England. Northern Ireland and southern Scotland may see highs around 18C, while the Scottish Highlands could reach 16C. High pressure is expected to bring dry, sunny conditions initially before possible unsettled weather returns, including a chance of wintry showers and mountain snow in Scotland, though any colder spell is likely to be brief.

Donald Trump warned that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons and rejected meeting Pope Leo amid an escalating dispute over the Pope’s criticism of global warfare. Trump defended disagreeing with the pontiff while maintaining he holds no personal animosity. The clash followed Trump’s public accusations that the Pope is weak on crime and foreign policy, prompting a spiritual rebuke from the Pope on social media. JD Vance also challenged the Pope’s stance on war by invoking just war tradition.

Donald Trump rejected Giorgia Meloni’s criticism of his attacks on Pope Leo, calling her “unacceptable” and warning that Iran’s nuclear ambitions could threaten Italy. He defended his remarks about the Pope and dismissed concerns over a controversial social media post. Pope Leo responded by emphasizing the Vatican’s commitment to peace and stating he would continue his mission despite Trump’s comments.

A child was found dead in a home in Redcar, with police believing the death resulted from a dog bite. Armed officers destroyed one dog at the scene and recovered another as investigators secured the area. Emergency crews responded, and one patient was transported to hospital. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact Cleveland Police or provide anonymous tips through Crimestoppers.

A 21‑year‑old British traveler, Katherine Esther Gamboa Kerwood, went missing after arriving in San Francisco for a solo trip and failing to check into her planned hostel. She last communicated via text on March 31 and was seen on airport security footage meeting a man known as David, whom she had met previously in the UK. Her family lost contact after Friday and raised the alarm. San Francisco police and British authorities have launched a statewide search effort, entering her information into law‑enforcement databases as her scheduled return home approaches.