In focus: The bees are dying – and nine other ways hotter weather is changing the British countryside forever
As new research shows that UK bumblebees are in sharp decline as a result of summer heatwaves, Helen Coffey says there are a number of other changes coming too. So what will the new normal look like?
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 22:00
Everything you need to know as South of England set to enter fourth summer heatwave
• The South of England is expected to enter its fourth summer heatwave this week as forecasters warned temperatures could soar to at least 34C.
• Southern and Eastern parts of England could experience “exceptionally severe” wildfires if they break out by Wednesday due to hot and dry conditions, the Met Office said.
• The government is preparing for wildfires in the UK similar to those that have torn through France and Spain this summer, a minister has confirmed.
• A number of amber and yellow heat health alerts are in place, with health chiefs saying vulnerable groups are particularly likely to be affected by the heatwave.
• London Fire Brigade said it had attended more than 1,300 incidents, including grass fires and a person rescued from the Thames, over the weekend as the hot weather continued.
• It comes after England’s hottest June on record.
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 21:00
Your views: Readers say Britain’s food shortages were man-made long before this drought
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 20:00
Wildlife centres ‘fit to bursting’ with hedgehogs amid scorching weather
Animal rescue centres are “fit to bursting” with hedgehogs and foxes suffering from heatstroke during one of the hottest summers on record, the RSPCA said.
Gardeners are being urged to create shaded spaces for wildlife struggling to keep cool during the scorching weather as the fourth heatwave of the year looms.
Recent research from veterinary group Inspiring Vet Care found that in June this year its clinics treated 179 cases of suspected heatstroke – 66 per cent higher than the 108 cases treated in the same month two years prior.
Some 316 hedgehogs were admitted to the RSPCA’s four wildlife centres in June, a 56 per cent rise on the 202 admitted in the same month the previous year.
Amy Ockelford, a senior press officer at the RSPCA, told the Press Association that wildlife centres are operating at “maximum capacity” and are “fit to bursting”, and have seen an increase in admissions of hoglets and hedgehogs.
She said: “These animals are usually not out in the daytime, but they’re coming out because they’re struggling to find food and water, and ending up with heatstroke.”
The RSPCA employee encouraged people to think about wildlife as well as pets, adding: “Keep out clean, cool water for wildlife and try and create shaded areas where you can for them to avoid the direct sun.”
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 19:00
The eight UK areas at risk of drought after record-breaking heatwaves
Parts of England are at risk of drought after record-breaking heatwaves have left a number of rivers and reservoirs “exceptionally low”.
The country is moving into its fourth heatwave this summer following the driest spring on record for England and Wales, with southern and eastern England having no rain at all this month.
Environment experts say the prolonged hot and dry conditions have dried up land, rivers, and streams, while demand for water has soared during the hottest days, warning that eight areas are now at risk of a drought.
You can find out which areas are at most risk below:
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 18:00
From June’s heatwave: I’m a disaster responder and this week’s heatwave has exposed just how broken Britain really is
Schools closing, hospitals declaring critical incidents and chaos on the roads and railways – as our creaking infrastructure melts under the pressure of extreme heat, government advisor, Lucy Easthope, explains why the wreckage of this week tells her we’ve left it too late to cope with what is coming next.
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 17:00
Weather forecast in full for Tuesday to Saturday
Outbreaks of rain continue across northern areas, with some heavy bursts possible in Northern Ireland and western Scotland. Elsewhere, it stays dry with sunny spells. The sunniest conditions are expected in the South, where it will feel hot and humid.
Cloudy across the North West, with a chance of rain. Dry across much of England and Wales with clear spells, and a few isolated mist and fog patches. Another warm night.
Rather cloudy across the North, with outbreaks of rain sinking southwards into northern England during the afternoon. Dry and sunny across the South, where it will feel hot and humid.
Thursday will be fresher with sunshine and perhaps the odd shower. Mostly dry on Friday and Saturday with further sunshine developing at times. Still warm in the sunshine.
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 16:30
Editorial: For climate-change deniers, the heat is on
As millions are affected by uncontrollable wildfires raging across Europe, and Britain braces for its fourth heatwave of the year, it is time we all accepted the evidence of our own eyes.
Editorial: As millions are affected by uncontrollable wildfires raging across Europe, and Britain braces for its fourth heatwave of the year, it is time we all accepted the evidence of our own eyes
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 16:00
In focus: The heatwave mind warp is real – here’s how it is affecting us all
After researching the iconic 1976 heatwave for her latest novel, Charlotte Edwardes reflects on how soaring summer temperatures change our sense of time, space and place. Using a hot summer as a plot device makes perfect sense – it’s when dramatic things happen inside and out.
The heatwave mind warp is real – here’s how it is affecting us all
After researching the iconic 1976 heatwave for her latest novel, Charlotte Edwardes reflects on how soaring summer temperatures change our sense of time, space and place. Using a hot summer as a plot device makes perfect sense – it’s when dramatic things happen inside and out
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 15:30
What is cold water shock – and how can I stay safe? Everything you need to know
The UKHSA has issued a number of heat health alerts for parts of England, warning that “water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning”.
An amber heat health alert will be in force for the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East from 29 July at 9am until 30 July at 9am.
Meanwhile, a yellow heat health alert will be in effect during the same period in the West Midlands, South West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
It comes after three people died after getting into difficulty at sea on Sunday – two at Fistral Beach in Newquay, and one in West Wittering in Sussex.
Here is how to spot cold water shock, and what you can do to stay safe:
Nicole Wootton-Cane28 July 2026 15:00