Weather

South East Water Kent Crisis: 18,000 Customers Still Affected as Heatwave Demand Hits Records

South East Water has confirmed 18,000 Kent customers are still affected by supply problems after record heatwave demand. Here is what triggered the crisis and where bottled water collection points are running.

28 May 2026 · 3 min read

Met Office Confirms 35.1C UK Record Heat Now Easing: What Today's Forecast Shows

The Met Office has confirmed the 35.1C reading at Kew Gardens earlier this week as a provisional UK May record. Temperatures fall back today as Atlantic air arrives. Here is what the data shows.

28 May 2026 · 3 min read

When Will the UK Heatwave Break? Met Office Five-Day Outlook

The Met Office five-day outlook shows the current UK heatwave breaking as cooler Atlantic air arrives later this week. Here is what the forecast indicates and what to expect during the transition.

27 May 2026 · 3 min read

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