Met Office
Coverage of Met Office in the Nexus archive.
- European countries battle multiple wildfires as record heat grips the continent
European countries are grappling with multiple wildfires fueled by record heat and extreme drought, an event linked to human-caused climate change. Significant blazes struck France in regions like Landes and near Bordeaux, forcing numerous evacuations. Other incidents included West Midlands fires in the U.K., devastating homes in Stourbridge, and struggles in Germany complicated by World War II munitions.
- Britain and France swelter again as western Europe is hit by another heat wave
Western Europe is grappling with successive heat waves, with temperatures forecasted to reach up to 40 degrees C in France and 38 degrees C in Britain. These conditions, combined with widespread drought, have severely strained resources, leading to water supply warnings from organizations like Southern Water and heightened fears of wildfires.
- Britain poised for a record hot summer as western Europe swelters under another heat wave
Large parts of western Europe are experiencing record heat waves, predicting temperatures up to 38 Celsius in central and southeast England. The resulting drought has severely impacted water resources and prompted Southern Water to seek a rare usage ban. Furthermore, uncontrolled wildfires have blazed across the region, while health concerns persist, with nurses collapsing from heat exhaustion.
- Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
Britain is poised for a record hot summer, and large parts of the country are currently officially in drought. This extreme heat has led to health issues, including nursing staff collapsing from heat exhaustion, and uncontrolled wildfires have been blazing, most notably in the New Forest. Officials are considering measures such as water use bans or restricting disposable barbecues.
- Britain to swelter again as it looks poised for a record hot summer
Britain expects another record hot summer with predicted temperatures of up to 38 Celsius across parts of central and southeast England. The country is dealing with drought conditions, leading Southern Water to apply for a rare drought order that would ban nonessential water use. Furthermore, there has been an increase in wildfires, posing public health risks, particularly in hospitals where nursing staff are suffering from heat exhaustion.
- Parts of the UK endure first ever month without any rain
Parts of the UK, including London's Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport, experienced their first ever month without measurable rainfall in July, with over 20 weather stations across southern England recording zero rainfall for the first time in their history. The drought, coupled with extreme heat, has led to over half of England and all of Wales being officially in drought, causing wildfires, low river levels, and crop shortages.
- British drought raises fears of food shortages as farmers warn of shrinking harvests
British farmers warn drought conditions in England and Wales could cause food shortages, with record-low rainfall and heat waves damaging crops and reducing water availability. The National Farmers’ Union highlights poor wheat and oat yields, increased production costs, and the need for improved water infrastructure to address climate change impacts.
- Europe's hot, dry summer takes its toll with fires in France and Greece, and drought in the UK
Europe's record-breaking hot and dry summer caused wildfires in Greece (including a fatal helicopter collision and a blaze blamed on a faulty power line) and France, as well as a historic drought in the UK. Over 1,000 people were evacuated in Greece, and the UK experienced its driest July in nearly 200 years, with Wales and parts of England in official drought.
- Water-dropping planes battle Athens wildfire as England records driest-ever July
A prolonged heat wave and drought caused England and Wales to record their driest July in nearly two centuries, while wildfires near Athens were fought with water-dropping planes after a midair collision killed two crew members. Over 1,000 people were evacuated in Greece, and France managed to contain a massive blaze. Climate data shows Europe is warming faster than the global average, exacerbating wildfire risks.
- Urban flooding
Urban flooding warnings in Punjab and Sindh cities highlight inadequate infrastructure and unplanned development, with drainage systems overwhelmed by heavy monsoon rains. Cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Hyderabad face risks due to blocked drains, encroachment on waterways, and outdated storm-water systems. Authorities remain reactive, lacking comprehensive flood-risk plans and coordination.
- Rivers may swell again as fresh monsoon spell arrives
Heavy monsoon rains are expected from July 29 to August 5, with warnings of flash floods and landslides in multiple regions. The Indus River is at a medium-flood level at Guddu Barrage, while rescue efforts continue in Lahore as the Prime Minister reviews the monsoon response.
- Still unprepared
Pakistan is facing a nationwide emergency as heavy monsoon rains cause flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, with over 100 deaths reported. Despite warnings from the Met Office and NDMA about rising river levels and flash floods, the government's preparedness remains inadequate, echoing failures from the 2022 floods.
- Flood level in Chenab eases from medium to low; PMD forecasts fresh rain spell for upper parts of Punjab from July 29
Flood levels in the Chenab River have eased to low from medium, while the Met Office forecasts fresh rainfall starting July 29 in Punjab and northern regions. The PDMA reported stable water flows in several rivers, low-level flooding at specific sites, and urged residents in floodplains to evacuate.
- Himachal Pradesh on high alert as red alert issued for heavy rains; all schools closed in three districts
Himachal Pradesh is on high alert due to a red rain warning issued by the Met office for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, and Sirmaur districts on July 20 and 21. Schools have been closed in three districts as a precaution.
- Europe’s lack of preparation for the brutal heat wave this year killed an extra 10,000 people, records show
A brutal heat wave in Europe this year caused over 10,000 excess deaths, with EuroMOMO reporting 14,260 excess deaths in a single week, primarily among those aged 65 and older. Germany and the UK reported significant heat-related fatalities, and climate change is cited as a contributing factor to the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves.
- Debriefed 17 July 2026: UK ‘firewave’ | Fossil-fuelled heat deaths | London’s Natural History Museum spotlights climate
Wildfires and heatwaves, termed a 'firewave', impacted Europe and North America, with the UK experiencing 25 days of 30C+ temperatures. The Met Office noted climate events becoming the 'new normal', while the EU aims to increase electricity's energy share to 46% by 2040. New UK PM Andy Burnham plans North Sea drilling, and Trump-era policies delayed $83bn in clean energy projects.
- Europe’s early heat wave led to a spike in deaths, may have killed over 10,000
Europe's early 2026 heat wave caused a significant spike in deaths, with over 10,000 excess deaths reported across the continent. EuroMOMO data showed 14,260 excess deaths in the week ending June 28, primarily affecting those aged 65 and older. Germany and the UK reported the highest numbers, with 6,830 and 2,700 heat-related deaths, respectively, linked to record-breaking temperatures and climate change.
- Climate we had in 20th Century 'has now gone' - Met Office
The Met Office reports that the climate of the 20th Century is now gone, with the UK's latest climate report warning that cold mountainous areas are also being lost.
- Climate we had in 20th Century 'has now gone' - Met Office
The Met Office reports that the climate of the 20th century is now gone, with the latest UK climate report warning that cold mountainous areas are being lost.
- UK heatwave will last 'until at least next week', Met Office warns as millions bake in 30C-plus temperatures
The UK is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30°C, and the Met Office warns it will last 'until at least next week'. Millions are affected by the extreme weather conditions.
- Heatwave conditions in England and Wales to continue into next week, says Met Office
Heatwave conditions in England and Wales will persist until next week, with temperatures remaining above 30C. The Met Office warns of wildfires and heat health alerts in some areas.
- UK waters hit with extreme heatwave as global sea temperatures reach record levels
UK waters are experiencing an extreme marine heatwave as global sea temperatures reach record levels, risking mass mortality events for marine species. The Met Office attributes the rapid temperature rise to a heat dome that caused Europe's worst heatwave, linked to the climate crisis.
- IMD issues red alert for Mumbai, Thane and Raigad; urges people to avoid non-essential travel
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, urging people to avoid non-essential travel. The warning was upgraded from 'orange' to 'red' due to changes in weather conditions observed by the MeT office.
- Brits are bracing for another heatwave as Met Office warns of 35C temperatures - as forecasters issue yellow weather warning for RAIN
Brits are preparing for another heatwave with the Met Office predicting 35C temperatures. A yellow weather warning for rain has also been issued.
- Week-long heatwave due in England with 34C peak in south-east
A week-long heatwave is expected in England with peak temperatures of 34C in the south-east. Heat health alerts are active in most regions from Sunday to Saturday, with Wales also experiencing rising temperatures. The Met Office forecasts 28C in southern England on Saturday.
- More thunderstorms to hit Britain, Met Office warns - after hundreds of flights were delayed and lightning set homes alight as turbulent heatwave weather 'intensifies'
The Met Office warns Britain of more thunderstorms, causing flight delays and lightning-induced home fires as the heatwave intensifies. Weather conditions are becoming increasingly severe.
- Britain hit by 63,000 lightning strikes during 'tropical night' as Met Office extends thunderstorm warning in record-breaking heatwave
Britain experienced 63,000 lightning strikes during a 'tropical night' as the Met Office extended thunderstorm warnings amid a record-breaking heatwave.
- Europe swelters under record-breaking heat wave
Europe is experiencing a record-breaking heat wave with new June temperature records set in the U.K. and France. The World Weather Attribution analysis linked the extreme heat to human-caused climate change, while heat-related deaths and wildfire risks have risen across the continent.
- UK suffers as it swiftly sets new hottest June day record
The UK set a new June temperature record of 36.4°C in Somerset, breaking the previous 1976 record as a heatwave strained ambulance services. London Ambulance Service reported a record 642 life-threatening emergencies due to extreme heat, prompting extended red weather warnings.
- Livestock heat deaths in transit doubled in UK record-hot summer of 2025
In the UK's record-hot summer of 2025, livestock heat deaths during transport doubled compared to 2024, with 6,600 animals—mostly chickens—dying due to heat stress. Data from the Food Standards Agency, obtained via FOI, revealed extreme transport conditions, including body temperatures exceeding 45°C in chickens, and climate change was cited as a contributing factor.
- By the numbers: What to know about Europe’s heat wave
A heat dome has caused record-breaking temperatures across western Europe in June, with the UK, Germany, France, and Spain experiencing over 40°C. High humidity and extreme heat have led to health risks, disrupted events like the Austrian Grand Prix, and set new temperature records in multiple countries.
- Extreme heat: is the UK becoming a 40C country? – podcast
The UK faces potential 40C temperatures with a red weather warning, while Europe experiences a severe heatwave causing school closures and train cancellations. France has restricted outdoor alcohol consumption to ease emergency services, and scientists are linking the extreme heat to an emerging 'Godzilla' strength El Niño.
- Met Office issues rare red weather warning as heatwave hits UK
The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning as a heatwave affects the UK, with temperatures expected to surpass June records and raise public health concerns.
- Monday briefing: What’s next for no-drama Starmer as his ‘political challenges’ pile up?
Keir Starmer is expected to announce his resignation as prime minister amid pressure from Labour MPs, following Andy Burnham's victory in the Makerfield byelection. High-stakes US-Iran talks, potential anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh, and extreme heat forecasts are also highlighted in the article.
- Brits brace for some of the sweatiest nights EVER with temperatures feeling close to 30C at 5am as Met Office's days-long heatwave warning comes into force
The UK is experiencing a heatwave with nighttime temperatures feeling close to 30°C at 5am, as the Met Office issues a multi-day warning. The alert highlights some of the hottest nights ever recorded in Britain.
- Record-breaking heat expected across UK this week, says Met Office
The Met Office has issued an expanded extreme heat warning for the UK, predicting record-breaking temperatures up to 38C this week. Health alerts are in place due to high humidity and heat stress risks for vulnerable populations. The forecast suggests potential to break the previous June record of 35.6C set in 1976 in Southampton and Camden Square, London, in June 1957.
- Britain set for hottest June day in history as Met Office predicts official heatwave - while also warning of health dangers and water safety risks
Britain is expected to experience its hottest June day on record as the Met Office predicts an official heatwave, accompanied by warnings about health risks and water safety concerns.
- Heatwave could bring hottest June day EVER say Met Office as temperature soars to 34C and amber health warning is issued after 17 died swimming in last hot blast
The Met Office warns a heatwave could bring the hottest June day ever recorded, with temperatures reaching 34C and an amber health warning issued. At least 17 people died swimming during the previous heatwave.
- Get ready for a four-day heatwave: Met Office says temperatures will soar towards 30C from Thursday as Government issues heat health alert
The Met Office predicts a four-day heatwave with temperatures approaching 30C starting Thursday, prompting a government-issued heat health alert.
- Death toll reaches 10 as rains ravage KP, Punjab
Monsoon rains and thunderstorms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab caused 10 deaths and 42 injuries, with incidents including roof collapses, electrocutions, and flash floods. Rescue operations are ongoing in affected areas like Siren Valley and Haveli Lakkha.