Section News

Drought and Hosepipe Bans: How UK Water Companies Decide When to Restrict Use

Water companies in the UK can introduce hosepipe bans to manage supply during dry periods. Here is the legal process, what is restricted and how affected customers should respond.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Wildfire Risk During the UK Heatwave: How Fire and Rescue Services Are Responding

Wildfire risk rises during UK heatwaves, particularly across heathland, moorland and forestry. Here is how fire and rescue services respond and the steps members of the public can take.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

UV Index and the Met Office Forecast: How to Read the Daily Number

The Met Office publishes a UV index forecast for every UK region. Here is what the numbers mean, when peak UV applies and how to use the forecast for planning outdoor activity.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

How UK Houses Cope With Heatwaves: Insulation, Glazing and the Future of Cooling

UK homes are built primarily for cold weather. Here is what the latest Building Regulations and Energy Saving Trust guidance say about adapting houses to cope with summer heat.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Heatwave Pollen and Hay Fever: How High Temperatures Affect UK Allergy Sufferers

High temperatures and ongoing dry conditions push UK grass pollen levels well above average. Here is what the Met Office pollen forecast shows and how to manage hay fever symptoms.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Cooling Products Trending in Heatwaves: What to Look for and What to Avoid

Bladeless fans, cooling pillows and chilled neck wraps surge in popularity during heatwaves. Here is what the Energy Saving Trust and Which? say about the most effective options.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

River Death Tragedies: How Surface Water Hides Hazards Beneath

Rivers across the UK have been the scene of multiple tragedies during heatwaves. Here is what makes river swimming particularly dangerous and what the safety advice from RoSPA and the RNLI says.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Water Tragedies During UK Heatwave: RNLI Issues Very Real Risk Warning

The RNLI has issued a fresh warning about open water risk after a number of water-related deaths during the UK heatwave. Here is what the data shows and the safety guidance that applies.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Bank Holiday Heatwave Brawls and Beach Closures: How Authorities Respond

Police and local authorities respond to crowd-control issues at popular UK beaches during heatwaves. Here is how dispersal orders, beach closures and the wider safety response work.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Environment Agency Flood Warnings: How to Check Your Postcode and Sign Up for Alerts

The Environment Agency Flood Information Service tracks rivers, surface water and coastal flooding. Here is how to check your postcode, sign up for free alerts, and understand the alert levels.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

NHS Sunburn Advice: When to See a GP and How to Treat Peeling Skin

NHS advice on sunburn treatment covers home care for mild cases and when to see a GP. Here is what the guidance says about peeling skin, blisters and dehydration.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Saturday Forecast: 33C UK Heatwave Could Make Parts of the UK Hotter Than Greece

Met Office forecasts have predicted Saturday temperatures of up to 33C in parts of England, which would make some UK cities warmer than Athens. Here is the regional outlook.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

How Fans Cool Homes Most Effectively: Two Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fans work by moving air, not lowering temperature. Placing a fan in the wrong location can reduce its effectiveness during a heatwave. Here is what manufacturer guidance says.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Two-Hour Rule for Sun Exposure: What NHS and Met Office Guidance Says

NHS and Met Office guidance on sun exposure recommends limiting direct exposure during the hottest part of the day. Here is what the two-hour rule actually says and how UV levels work in the UK.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Common Household Devices That Push Up Electricity Bills During a Heatwave

Air conditioners, fridges working harder and constant fan use can push up electricity bills during a heatwave. Here is what the Energy Saving Trust says about which appliances cost the most.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Met Office Thunderstorm Warning: Where Heavy Rain and Hail Will Hit as Heat Breaks

The Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings ahead of the heatwave breaking. Here are the regions affected, the four hazards expected and how to prepare.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Open Water Safety Warning: RNLI and Met Office Issue Joint Guidance as Heatwave Continues

The RNLI and Met Office have issued joint guidance on open water safety as the heatwave continues. Here is what cold water shock is, the at-risk locations and what to do if someone gets into difficulty.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Amber Heat-Health Alerts Across England: Where They Cover and Who Is at Risk

UK Health Security Agency amber heat-health alerts cover most of southern England. Here is what the alert level means, who is most at risk and the steps NHS guidance recommends.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Met Office Records 35.1C at Kew Gardens: Heatwave Becomes Hottest May Spell on Record

The Met Office has recorded 35.1C at Kew Gardens, provisionally the hottest May day on record. Here is what the data shows and how the heatwave compares with previous spells.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Workers Could Face Two-Year Wait to Access Pension Savings Under Reform

Pensions Bill measures could see normal minimum pension age rise from 55 to 57. Here is who would be affected and the existing rules on accessing private pension savings.

12 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Beans, Bread, Sweets and Crisps Price Cuts: What ONS Inflation Data Shows

Office for National Statistics data shows specific food categories falling in price as wider inflation eases. Here is the latest movement on beans, bread, sweets and crisps.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Council Tax Reform Plan Worth £430 Million: What the Government Is Proposing

A government consultation has set out council tax reform proposals worth £430 million. Here is what is on the table, who would be affected, and the timetable.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

Households Could Save £250 by Switching Energy Supplier Before the July Cap

Switching from the cap to a competitive fixed tariff before 1 July could save a typical household around £250 a year. Here are the deals on offer and how to compare them accurately.

12 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Seven Ways to Cut Energy Bills Before the July Price Cap Rise

Energy bills rise from 1 July when the Ofgem cap goes up 13 per cent. Here are seven practical steps households can take to soften the impact through tariffs, consumption changes and support schemes.

12 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Octopus, British Gas and E.ON Customers: What the Latest Fixed Tariff Warning Means

Customers of Octopus, British Gas and E.ON have been warned to review fixed tariffs against the July price cap. Here is how to check the underlying rates against the regulator's figures.

22 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

EDF £80 Free Electricity Offer: What Is on the Table and Who Can Get It

EDF Energy has confirmed a smart meter promotion offering up to £80 of free electricity to eligible customers. Here is what the offer covers and the conditions attached.

12 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

NS&I £367 Million Letters to Bereaved Families: What the Notice Means

NS&I has sent letters to families holding savings accounts of recently deceased relatives, releasing funds worth £367 million. Here is what the letter asks for and how the claim process works.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

NS&I Premium Bonds Three-Month Rule: How New Purchases Enter the Prize Draw

NS&I Premium Bonds bought today only enter the prize draw from the second calendar month after purchase. Here is the rule in detail and the latest prize fund rate.

12 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Easy Access Cash ISA Rates Top 4.5 Per Cent: How the Latest Deals Compare

Easy access cash ISA rates have edged above 4.5 per cent at the top of the market. Here is the current rate landscape and the trade-offs between provider types.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

ISA Reform 22 Per Cent Charge: What the Treasury Proposal Means for Savers

Treasury consultations on cash ISA reform have raised the prospect of a charge on long-held balances. Here is the current position, the proposal, and what savers can do today.

4 Jul 2026 · 4 min read