Greggs reports a 7.2% increase in total sales to £1.1bn for the first half of 2026, attributed to new store openings, successful menu adaptations (iced matcha lattes, salads, chicken rolls), and controlled price increases, despite UK heatwaves.
Midea's European air conditioner sales surge due to heatwaves, with 200,000 new orders in a month for two Chinese factories, driven by demand for easily installable units like PortaSplit.
Tavia Watts' viral video highlighted the growing climate anxiety in the UK, particularly among parents, as record June heatwaves intensify fears for children's futures. Psychologists confirm a rise in "anticipatory anxiety" and offer coping strategies like community action and self-care.
Record heatwaves in England are intensifying climate anxiety, a recognized form of mental distress, particularly affecting parents and young people. Individuals like Tavia Watts and Lizzie Ellen share their fears for their children's future, while psychologists offer coping strategies such as community engagement and self-care.
Parts of Wales, including north Wales and Upper Severn, are officially in drought due to record-low river flows and heatwaves, with July set to be the driest in nearly 200 years. This follows similar declarations in England and comes amid wider European drought intensified by climate change, impacting wildlife, farming, and prompting water restrictions.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has declared drought status for parts of Wales, including North and South Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, Dee, Clwyd, and Upper Severn, due to widespread wildfires, critically low river levels, and successive heatwaves. This marks the first UK region to face such a declaration this summer, impacting wildlife, farming, and water quality.
North Wales and the Upper Severn river basin have declared a drought due to successive heatwaves and low rainfall, straining water supplies. Over 20 million people in England and Wales face hosepipe bans, raising concerns about water resource management amid climate change.
Over 10,000 people evacuated in southwestern France due to a rapid wildfire near Bordeaux, while Spain battles one of its largest blazes on record, burning 32,000 hectares. Southern Europe faces widespread wildfires and heatwaves, with Italy, Greece, and Cyprus also affected, and the UK experiencing prolonged dry weather.
Over 10,000 people evacuated from southwestern France due to a rapid wildfire near Bordeaux, while other blazes rage across Spain, Italy, and Greece, fueled by heatwaves, prompting calls for climate action from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
A scientific analysis reveals extreme heat, intensified by the climate crisis, is driving severe drought across Europe. Conditions are 80x more likely in western Europe and 40x in eastern Europe, redefining drought as temperature-driven. This leads to water restrictions, wildfires, crop losses, and rising food/energy prices, with significant economic costs.
Japan has launched the Do Hiemon 'personal cooling booth,' a 2.1-meter stainless-steel unit designed to rapidly chill humans in 10 minutes. Dubbed 'the human fridge,' it aims to combat heat exhaustion amid record global heatwaves, costing £6,900 upfront but 7p/hour to run.
Astana, Kazakhstan, has experienced two record-breaking heatwaves this summer, with temperatures reaching 39.5°C. The country faces increasing climate risks, including heat-related deaths, droughts, and water shortages, prompting calls for a national Heat-Health Action Plan.
The National Energy System Operator (Neso) faces accusations of a cover-up regarding power system strain during summer heatwaves. Whistleblowers allege managers ordered staff to forgo note-keeping and pressured operators to protect Neso's reputation, prompting an independent investigation.
Thames Water has imposed a hosepipe ban on 10.1 million customers starting Thursday due to an "exceptionally warm and dry spring" and record high temperatures. The company cited 40% of average rainfall and increased water usage, while also facing significant debt and a rejected rescue proposal.
New analysis, shared with the BBC, suggests UK bumblebee populations are suffering sharp declines due to more frequent and intense heatwaves, evidenced by 2022 data showing significant drops in numbers and lasting effects into 2023. Conservationists advocate for creating more flower-rich habitats.
New research estimates over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales are linked to the May and June heatwaves. Scientists attribute rising temperatures and increased mortality to climate change, with further impacts predicted for UK homes and public buildings.
A new study estimates over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales resulted from May and June heatwaves. Experts used weather data and climate models, noting climate change makes such events more frequent and intense, with temperatures 3-4°C higher due to global warming.
Experts estimate over 2,700 heat-related deaths occurred in the UK during May and June's heatwaves. The June heatwave, the warmest on record, saw temperatures reach 37.7C. Climate change exacerbated the "heat dome" effect, increasing risks, especially for vulnerable groups.
Severe thunderstorms with powerful microbursts caused widespread destruction across Philadelphia and surrounding counties on Saturday afternoon. The storms downed trees, severed power lines, caused flooding, and structural damage, including a building collapse in West Philadelphia. Mayor Cherelle Parker declared a Disaster Emergency.
Green MP Hannah Spencer is proposing a bill to establish a maximum workplace temperature in the UK, addressing concerns over increasing heatwaves and the climate crisis. The legislation aims to create an independent body to recommend safe temperature limits, a move supported by unions and several MPs.
MP Hannah Spencer is introducing a bill to establish a maximum workplace temperature in the UK, addressing concerns over increasing heatwaves and the lack of current regulations for high temperatures. The bill aims to create an independent body to recommend and implement safe temperature limits.
UK ambulance crews face unprecedented pressure during a prolonged heatwave, dealing with heat exhaustion, chronic conditions, and dehydration. Paramedics report winter pressures are 'nothing compared to heatwave pressures,' with callouts increasing significantly. Simple preventative measures could reduce the strain on already stretched services.
A fast-moving wildfire in Los Gallardos, Almeria province, Spain, has killed at least 12 people and left 19 unaccounted for. The blaze, fanned by strong winds and occurring amid soaring temperatures, is the deadliest in the region's recent history. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.
French Climate Council report highlights infrastructure vulnerability to record heatwaves, criticizing partial solutions and slow emission cuts. Council demands strict building codes and occupational health measures, giving the government six months to respond to 82 recommendations.
