Lizzie Mcallister

The Met Office is considering issuing rare amber or red extreme heat warnings as temperatures are forecast to reach 36°C or higher in parts of England and Wales, with Thursday expected to be the hottest day. The UK is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the summer, while half of England and all of Wales face drought conditions. Officials warn that the heat could affect vulnerable people, health and social care, railway infrastructure and power networks; nearly 3,000 excess deaths were linked to heat in England and Wales during May and June. More than 25 million people face water-use restrictions, and yellow heat-health alerts are active across much of England.

Royal Navy activity tracking Russian vessels in UK waters rose by 25% in July compared with the previous year. HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn monitored Russian warships escorting shadow-fleet tankers in the Dover Strait and North Sea, while HMS Tyne observed a live-firing exercise. The Ministry of Defence reported that British vessels were activated 116 times in the year to March 2026 to shadow 61 Russian warships and 28 merchant vessels, representing a 30% increase in Russian naval activity over two years. Separate NATO operations involving HMS Somerset and Fleet Air Arm helicopters focused on detecting submarines in the North Atlantic, while British forces also seized a tanker captain accused of violating sanctions on Russian oil transport.

The UK may experience a fifth heatwave this year, although forecasters say it is too early to confirm. Long-range models suggest temperatures could remain above average, with hot conditions possible particularly in southern England. The country has already endured record heat, drought, wildfires and more than 2,700 excess deaths in May and June, while rainfall is expected to remain limited and variable despite possible thunderstorms. A heatwave requires at least three consecutive days above location-specific temperature thresholds.

Prince Louis attended the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with Prince William, Catherine, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, wearing a Welsh cycling bucket hat to support the Welsh team. The family watched netball and cycling, met athletes including para powerlifting gold medallist Mark Swan and gymnast Reuben Ward, and interacted with the Games mascot. The visit was the children’s first official trip to Scotland, while William and Catherine were also scheduled to meet athletes supported by SportsAid and participants in the Team England Futures project.

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei region near Naples at a depth of about 3km, injuring eight people and triggering aftershocks. Falling rocks and a collapsed cliff damaged or destroyed dozens of parked cars, while power outages and transport disruptions affected the area. Minor building damage was reported around Naples, and residents left their homes as emergency services responded.

An estimated 2,877 people in the UK died in circumstances associated with excessive heat during May and June 2026, nearly twice the 1,504 heat-related deaths recorded in 2025. The UK Health Security Agency says the figures are provisional and cover only two of four heatwaves, meaning the annual total could set a record. Prolonged hot, dry weather has also caused drought across more than half of England, triggered wildfires and evacuations, increased pressure on the NHS, and severely damaged crops, with farmers warning of the worst harvest in years.

A recall was issued for Graham’s Family Dairy semi‑skimmed milk sold in several UK supermarkets after trace levels of veterinary antibiotics were detected. The Food Standards Agency advised customers not to consume one‑pint, one‑litre, or two‑litre bottles with a best‑before date of July 31, 2026. Shoppers can return affected products to stores for a refund, and point‑of‑sale notices will be displayed. The dairy stated the measure is precautionary and confirmed no other products are affected.

Daniel Siad, a modelling scout repeatedly named in the Epstein files and under investigation in France for alleged involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network, was found dead in his home near Paris. Authorities have opened an inquiry to determine the cause of death, with an autopsy pending. Messages from 2014 indicate Siad discussed recruiting women for Epstein, who offered reimbursement. The case echoes that of Jean‑Luc Brunel, another modelling agent linked to Epstein who died in prison in 2022 while awaiting trial on related charges.

A two-vehicle collision on the M4 in Wiltshire resulted in the death of a 13‑year‑old boy and the hospitalisation of a woman, both passengers in a Toyota. Emergency crews, including air ambulances, responded after the car collided with a Renault van, with neither driver seriously injured. The westbound carriageway was closed and police are appealing for witnesses or dash‑cam footage to assist the investigation.

Longer queues at EU passport control are reported as the new Entry Exit System causes delays, with wait times in some airports tripling due to technical issues. Airport officials in Rome and Faro cite system bugs and increased processing times, while some travelers have missed flights. Airlines, including Ryanair, advise passengers to allow extra time, and airport groups urge the European Commission to permit temporary suspension during peak periods. The Commission states disruptions remain limited and support for member states continues.

A relative of the suspect in Ann Widdecombe’s murder had questioned Nigel Farage’s safety in social media posts made the day Widdecombe is believed to have died. The posts also included hostile comments about Donald Trump. Police report that Widdecombe died from serious injuries in a targeted attack, and a 28-year-old man has been arrested. Counter Terrorism Policing has not classified the case as terrorism. Farage, campaigning for a by‑election in Clacton, reiterated concerns about his personal safety and responded to scrutiny over undeclared financial support, denying any wrongdoing.

Croydon Council secured an injunction banning David Trench from the entire borough due to repeated antisocial behaviour, allowing police to arrest him if he enters the area. Council leaders emphasised firm action to protect residents and businesses, supported by the Town Centre Taskforce’s interventions. The borough’s Public Space Protection Order has also been extended following a reported reduction in antisocial incidents and strong local backing.

Seagulls along England’s south coast have been observed acting disoriented after eating flying ants that release formic acid, a mild toxin that may intoxicate the birds. Ornithologist Viola Ross-Smith notes that while the theory is unproven, the ants’ acid could be affecting gulls similarly to alcohol, causing them to stagger into roads and disrupt traffic. Heatwaves have led to earlier and more intense ant activity, increasing gull exposure. Experts advise that slightly dizzy gulls are not a concern, but the RSPCA should be contacted if a bird appears unwell.

Nigel Farage’s resignation as MP for Clacton has triggered an August by‑election featuring several unconventional challengers, including Count Binface, wildlife campaigner Rob Pownall in a fox costume, and Monster Raving Loony Party leader Howling Laud Hope. Farage faces scrutiny over undisclosed donations linked to Christopher Harborne and George Cottrell, drawing criticism from political leaders, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Binface has gained unusual momentum, while Pownall campaigns on animal welfare issues and Hope promotes a plan to revitalise Clacton. The contest highlights controversy surrounding Farage and the colourful slate of opponents seeking to challenge him.

Users reported outages affecting Microsoft Outlook and Copilot, with login and message‑sending issues noted beginning around 7am and peaking before 9am. DownDetector showed nearly 100 Outlook problem reports and around 30 Copilot reports, while only a few users experienced issues with Microsoft 365. Other Microsoft services, including Azure and the Microsoft Store, appeared unaffected, and the company had not yet issued a statement.

Rupert Lowe, leader of the far‑right Restore Britain party, drew widespread condemnation after referring to the 1996 Dunblane massacre as “one murder” during a conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience. Families of victims, including Jack Crozier, criticised his remarks as a deliberate misrepresentation of a tragedy in which 16 children and their teacher were killed. The incident renewed scrutiny of Lowe’s suitability as an MP for Great Yarmouth and revisited the massacre’s impact on UK gun laws and survivors such as Andy Murray.

Researchers are working to restore the natural toxicity of Atelopus frogs, whose defensive poisons diminished after being bred in captivity to protect them from a deadly fungus. Scientists are comparing toxin levels in wild and captive frogs, collecting samples, and testing whether exposure to natural environments or toxin-injected prey can help reestablish their chemical defenses. The goal is to increase survival against predators as conservation groups attempt to rebuild populations in Panama and nearby regions.

An 11-year-old boy in Ontario died from rabies after waking to find a bat on his face, marking the province’s first fatal case in more than 50 years. Despite no visible bite or scratch, he developed symptoms 19 days later, and the condition was untreatable once they appeared. A report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal emphasizes that any direct contact with a bat should prompt immediate post-exposure prophylaxis, as bites and scratches can be hard to detect. Medical experts urge the public to consult health authorities promptly following possible exposure and highlight the near-universal fatality of symptomatic rabies. The article also notes past human rabies cases in the UK and stresses continued prevention efforts.

A tax calculation error led HMRC to overcharge up to 8.7 million pensioners by around £5 each due to using 52 weeks of the higher-rate state pension rather than the correct 51-week calculation. The issue went undetected for about 10 months and is still being assessed, with no automatic refunds currently issued. Politicians have demanded clarity and swift correction, while affected pensioners are advised to contact HMRC for reimbursement.

A paddleboarder in Abersoch spotted a submerged Land Rover Discovery drifting near Bear Grylls’ private island before it fully sank with the rising tide. Locals speculated the vehicle had been left on the beach overnight and was overtaken by the early‑morning tide. Workers from a nearby farm later recovered it using tractors and diggers, though the owner remains unknown.

A 15‑year‑old boy, Brodan Dubickas, died after being struck by a falling tree in Holmcroft Park, Stafford. Emergency services responded but he was pronounced dead about an hour later. Tributes from his former and current schools described him as a promising and special young person. A community GoFundMe campaign has raised significant funds to support his family, with the organiser noting the widespread local grief over his death.