The UK is expected to face its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures possibly reaching 36°C (97°F) or higher. This heatwave comes amid ongoing drought conditions, which are causing concerns for infrastructure, water use, and public health.
Key Facts
Temperatures in the UK could reach 36°C or higher this week, mainly on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Met Office may issue rare amber or red extreme heat warnings due to the heat.
Wales and half of England are under drought conditions, with more areas possibly declared soon.
Heat-health alerts are active for several regions, warning of risks to vulnerable people.
More than 25 million people face water use restrictions, including hosepipe bans.
This summer has already had four heatwaves and is the driest since records began in 1836.
The 2026 summer heat is linked to over 2,800 excess deaths so far.
Average temperatures in western Europe for June-July 2026 set a new record.
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On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will travel from the Arctic across Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, darkening the sun for up to two minutes and 18 seconds in some areas. About 15 million people in Spain and nearby countries will see the full eclipse, while many more across Western Europe, parts of North Africa, and a small part of the U.S. will see a partial eclipse.
Key Facts
The eclipse starts at 15:34 GMT on August 12, 2026.
It will be the first total solar eclipse visible on mainland Europe since 1999.
Around 15 million people, mainly in Spain, will be in the path of totality where the sun is completely covered.
Partial eclipses will be visible across much of Western Europe, parts of Northwestern Africa, and a small area of the United States.
About 980 million people worldwide, nearly one in eight, will see at least a partial covering of the sun.
Totality will last up to 110 seconds in western Spain, starting around 18:27 GMT (8:27 pm local time).
Major Spanish cities such as Leon, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel, and Valencia are inside the path of totality.
Cities like Madrid and Barcelona will see over 99% coverage but are just outside the total eclipse path.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. is "semi-negotiating" with Iran and may keep economic pressure on the country. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels attacked a key port city in Yemen twice, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed peace plan, promising no withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas disarms.
Key Facts
President Trump stated the U.S. is only partially negotiating with Iran and will monitor Iran’s economic struggles.
Iran has set new demands related to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including compensation for war damages.
Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, attacked the Yemeni port city of Mocha twice in 24 hours, targeting government forces and infrastructure.
These attacks involved ballistic missiles and drones, causing casualties and damage to port facilities and supplies.
The Houthis claimed to target military sites and also struck a Saudi refinery in Jazan in response to Saudi drone strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the U.S.-backed 15-point Gaza peace plan.
Netanyahu vowed Israel would not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed.
President Trump had previously called the peace plan "historic" last month.
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Tropical Storm Dolphin hit eastern China, causing flooding and damage after making landfall as a typhoon. Authorities warned about possible severe flooding and landslides as the storm weakened and moved inland.
Key Facts
Dolphin made landfall Sunday evening in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, with winds of 151 kph (93 mph).
The storm caused heavy rains and flooding in eastern China, especially in Zhejiang province.
More than 300,000 people were moved to safer places before the storm arrived.
Shanghai canceled over 1,300 flights at its two airports due to the storm.
Rescue teams in Yueqing city searched for people trapped in flooded homes.
Dolphin’s winds decreased to 65 kph (40 mph) by Monday morning and continued to weaken.
The storm increased monsoon rains in the Philippines, leading to floods and landslides there.
Another tropical storm, Chan-hom, was approaching Japan’s Pacific coast with expected strengthening.
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Russia said it shot down 456 drones launched by Ukraine in attacks across about 15 Russian regions, including Crimea and Tatarstan. The strikes damaged industrial and civilian areas, killing at least 12 people and injuring 39 according to Russian officials.
Key Facts
Russia intercepted 456 Ukrainian drones in overnight attacks.
The attacks targeted roughly 15 regions in Russia and the annexed Crimea.
The industrial city of Nizhnekamsk in Tatarstan was heavily struck.
At least 12 people died and 39 were wounded during the attacks.
A drone attack killed a woman in a village near the Ukraine-Russia border.
The strikes affected both industrial sites and civilian areas.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted over four years with rising civilian casualties.
Diplomatic efforts between the two countries remain stalled amid increased long-range strikes.
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Pakistan-administered Kashmir is experiencing major political unrest with violent protests happening before regional elections. The region remains divided, and the article explains the reasons behind the current tensions.
Key Facts
Pakistan-administered Kashmir is currently facing its most serious political crisis in recent years.
Deadly protests have occurred just before the final voting round in regional elections.
The wider Kashmir region is divided between different controlling powers.
Political disagreements and local issues are fueling the unrest.
The protests reflect ongoing tensions in the area related to governance and representation.
The situation is linked to the complex history and disputes over Kashmir’s status.
Electoral processes in the region are a flashpoint for political conflict.
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A bungalow in Newton Longville, near Milton Keynes, was destroyed by a suspected gas explosion on Sunday morning. A man was injured, and videos show flames and smoke coming from the building after the blast.
Key Facts
The explosion happened on Cobb Hall Road, Newton Longville, near Milton Keynes.
It took place on a Sunday morning.
The cause is believed to be a gas explosion.
A bungalow was completely destroyed.
One man was injured in the explosion.
Videos captured the moment of the explosion and the fire afterward.
Emergency services responded to the incident.
Follow-up news is available on local BBC platforms.
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Indonesia is fighting many wildfires that are spreading through a national park in East Java and peatlands in Sumatra. Officials have deployed hundreds of firefighters, helicopters, and other emergency personnel to control the fires during a very dry season worsened by El Nino weather conditions.
Key Facts
The largest fire is burning in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, covering about 743 hectares (1,836 acres).
Dry weather and El Nino conditions have increased the risk of wildfires in Indonesia.
No injuries or evacuations have been reported so far, but the national park is closed to visitors.
More than 50 hectares (124 acres) of peatland have burned in Jambi province on Sumatra island.
Fires in Sumatra have destroyed large areas of oil palm plantations owned by local farmers.
Indonesia has deployed at least three helicopters for water bombing and about 300 firefighters and disaster workers to fight the peatland fire.
Difficult conditions like deep peaty soil, limited water, and strong winds are making firefighting harder.
The Meteorological Agency warned that August and September will be the most dangerous months for fire spread due to dry vegetation and strong winds.
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Two workers were temporarily suspended after a near-collision between a Jetstar plane and a Qatar Airways plane at Sydney Airport. The transport minister said improved staff scheduling will start next month to reduce delays and prevent similar incidents.
Key Facts
A Jetstar plane nearly hit a Qatar Airways plane being towed across a runway at Sydney Airport.
Two staff involved—a traffic controller and a tug driver—were stood down and tested for drugs and alcohol.
The incident caused further delays at the airport, which was already facing staff shortages.
A cabin crew member on the Jetstar flight was injured during the sudden stop.
Another near-miss happened less than two weeks earlier involving Qantas flights on the tarmac.
The transport minister announced new rostering changes and more air traffic controller training to improve safety.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating both recent near-miss incidents.
Union officials said aviation workers are stressed and the industry is facing staff shortages and safety concerns.
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New Zealand has introduced a new law requiring voters to register at least 13 days before election day. This means people, including those abroad, cannot enroll to vote on election day itself and must meet the deadline to be allowed to vote.
Key Facts
New voters must register by October 25 for the November 7 election.
Voters can start casting ballots from October 26 in New Zealand and from October 21 if they are overseas.
The law change ends the previous option to enroll and vote on the same day.
The government says the change helps speed up election results, which previously took up to three weeks.
The law also bans prisoners from voting and allows bigger anonymous political donations.
Opposition parties criticize the law, saying it may prevent many people from voting and hurt left-wing parties.
The Electoral Commission expects about 700,000 special votes this election, slightly fewer than before.
So far, 89% of eligible voters in New Zealand are enrolled to vote this year.
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In late July, a far-right Israeli minister and more than 2,000 Jewish extremists entered the al-Aqsa mosque area in Jerusalem, a very sensitive religious site. This action increased tensions and worries about possible changes to the current religious and political rules governing the site.
Key Facts
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s minister of security, joined over 2,000 Jewish extremists at al-Aqsa mosque in late July.
Al-Aqsa mosque compound is one of Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy places, important to both Muslims and Jews.
There is a fragile agreement that Muslims have exclusive rights to pray at al-Aqsa, while Jews pray at the Western Wall nearby.
The far-right group’s visits to the site have increased over the past few years, with larger groups and more public rituals.
Israeli police supported the recent visit, providing tents for the worshippers inside the compound.
Jordanian officials have warned about the risk of an Israeli takeover of the site.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is part of a coalition including far-right parties focused on expanding settlements in Palestinian areas.
There are fears among Muslims that Israel might damage or replace the Islamic holy sites with a Jewish temple.
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The All Ireland Fleadh, a major Irish music festival, was held in Belfast for the first time and attracted over a million people during eight days. Organizers said the event brought all communities together and was very successful, with the next Fleadh in Belfast planned for August 2027.
Key Facts
The All Ireland Fleadh took place in Belfast’s city centre for eight days.
More than one million people visited the festival.
About 4,000 people were still present late at night for the closing ceremony near Belfast City Hall.
Organizers said this was the first time the festival united all communities in the city.
The event featured local musicians and bands like the Lissadell Céilí Band and Campbell College Bugles.
The festival was a joint effort by Belfast City Council, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE), and Ards CCÉ.
Belfast’s Lord Mayor called the Fleadh a “watershed moment” and praised the city’s spirit and love of music.
The next Fleadh in Belfast is scheduled for August 1-8, 2027.
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Yemen's military reported that a Houthi attack on the port city of Mocha killed seven people and injured 30. Iran said it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the US meets demands like lifting sanctions, ending naval blockades, and paying compensation.
Key Facts
Seven people, including military and civilians, died in the Houthi attack on Mocha port in Yemen.
Around 30 people were wounded in the attack.
Yemeni air defenses intercepted and destroyed 11 Houthi drones during the strike.
The Houthis targeted both military and residential areas in Mocha.
Iran wants the US to lift sanctions, end its naval blockade, pay compensation, and release Iranian assets before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran and Oman are close to an agreement on new shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil and gas transport.
Iran closed the strait in response to US and Israeli attacks on its territory earlier in the year.
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A 14-year-old boy in Thailand killed eight people, including his grandparents, teachers, and students, before taking his own life in a school shooting. Police said he learned how to use guns from violent content on social media, and they are still investigating his motives.
Key Facts
The shooter was a 14-year-old student at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Thailand.
He first killed his grandparents at home using his grandfather's handgun.
He then went to school and shot teachers and students, killing eight people in total.
Police found the gun, bullet cases, his phone, a knife, and evidence of violent social media use.
Authorities believe the shooting was probably planned in advance.
The boy's teacher had previously taken away a BB gun he brought to school.
The teen lived with his grandparents; his parents were separated.
Thailand's prime minister said new gun laws will be introduced after this incident.
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A total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain on August 12, 2026, marking one of Europe's most important astronomical events in years. Eclipses have fascinated humans for thousands of years, helping us learn about the Sun, space, and even how living things respond to these rare events.
Key Facts
The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, is the first on mainland Spain in over 100 years.
Ancient civilizations often saw eclipses as signs or omens, such as dragons eating the Sun in China or anger from the sun god in Inca culture.
Early records of eclipse observations date back to 1223 BCE from a clay tablet found in Syria.
Eclipses helped people understand the movements of the Sun, Moon, and stars long before modern science.
In 1868, helium was discovered in the Sun’s light spectrum during an eclipse before it was found on Earth.
The 1919 solar eclipse helped confirm Einstein’s theory of general relativity by showing how starlight bends near the Sun.
Understanding the solar corona and solar wind has improved thanks to eclipse studies.
Even with modern satellite technology, eclipses still offer unique opportunities for scientists to make special observations.
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Australian police began a murder investigation after two men reported finding what looked like a body in a suitcase on the roadside near Oallen. Forensic tests later showed the suitcase contained a lifelike doll with fake bruises and no human remains, leading police to end the investigation.
Key Facts
Two men found a suitcase on the side of the road near Oallen, about 230 km southwest of Sydney.
They thought the suitcase contained a human body and reported it to police.
Police started a murder investigation based on the initial report.
Forensic tests confirmed there was no human inside, only a realistic doll.
The doll had fake bruises, grazes, hair, and a nose piercing.
Police followed proper procedures and tried to avoid disturbing the scene.
The men who found the suitcase were contacted to update them on the findings.
The police closed the investigation after confirming no crime had occurred.
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Eight teenagers have been charged with murder after a party in Bahrs Scrub, Queensland, ended with a 21-year-old man suffering severe head injuries and later dying. Police say the group planned to cause harm and had weapons when they arrived at the party, which also caused property damage and a heavy police investigation.
Key Facts
The incident happened at a rented home in Bahrs Scrub, near Brisbane, on July 26.
The victim was a 21-year-old man from Redbank Plains, found unconscious with serious head injuries.
He was taken to hospital in critical condition and died six days after the attack.
Police say the group of teenagers came armed and had a plan to harm people at the party.
More than 80 police officers searched multiple locations and made 14 searches in three districts.
Four teens were first charged with murder on August 6, including two aged 18 and two aged 19.
Another four teens were charged on Sunday, including one 17-year-old and three 18-year-olds.
Police and community leaders are working to prevent any revenge attacks and promote peace.
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Two sisters, Nikita Dallison and Mellissa Arkwright, were sexually abused as children by their half-brother Adrian Austin. Nikita reported the abuse to police in 2021, which led to Mellissa undergoing a therapy called EMDR that helped her remember key details, leading to Austin’s conviction and 17-year jail sentence.
Key Facts
Nikita and Mellissa were abused by their half-brother when they were 6 and 7 years old.
Nikita remembered the abuse clearly, but Mellissa had no memory until therapy.
Mellissa underwent eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to recover memories.
EMDR therapy helped Mellissa recall specific details that were crucial evidence in court.
Adrian Austin was found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed between 1997 and 2001.
Austin was sentenced to 17 years in prison in July.
Both sisters chose to waive their anonymity to share their story publicly.
Police had received an earlier report from Mellissa in 1997 but took no action at that time.
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A British man named Mohammad Akhtar was shot dead in Pakistan-administered Kashmir during protests demanding reforms. Another British citizen, Waqas Arif, has been held in a local prison for over two months, despite his family’s efforts to get him released.
Key Facts
Mohammad Akhtar, 50, from Peterborough, was killed on June 9 by a stray bullet during protests in Kotli, Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Akhtar was not participating in the protests; the shooting happened near his home.
His family did not report the incident to police out of fear for their safety.
Waqas Arif, 38, a British national from Nottingham, has been detained in the region since early June without charges.
The protests were organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), calling for economic and election reforms.
Pakistani authorities labeled JAAC a terrorist group and have imposed a communications blackout since June 5.
Security forces are accused of killing at least 30 protesters, though Pakistan rejects these claims.
The UK government is concerned and has updated travel advice to advise against non-essential trips to the area.
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A fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia, Canada, has caused more than 20,000 people to leave their homes. The wildfire is affecting the Okanagan region, including the towns of Summerland and Peachland.
Key Facts
The wildfire is spreading quickly in British Columbia province.
Over 20,000 residents have been evacuated.
The towns of Summerland and Peachland are the main areas affected.
Authorities ordered mandatory evacuations for safety.
The wildfire poses a serious threat to homes in the Okanagan region.
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