UK News
View All 9Three ways to watch Britain's solar eclipse safely without sold-out special glasses
Britons may be unable to safely look at tonight's solar eclipse after specialist glasses went out of stock.But those who do want to observe Wednesday's partial eclipse - the most significant since 1999 and the closest to totality until 2081 - can still do so.Experts have warned enthusiasts to avoid looking directly at the phenomenon without specialist eyewear and not to use normal sunglasses or dark goggles.These shades do not give enough UV protection when gazing directly at the sun, according to the Royal Astronomical Society. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Instead, those who lack specialist specs can use a colander to observe the partial eclipse, creating a series of images on a white piece of paper.Eye specialist David Jones, , consultant ophthalmologist at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, admitted this was his preferred way to look at the Sun."If you hold the colander to the Sun and you look away from the Sun, protecting your eyes, you can make not just one picture of the Sun but a hundred all at once," he told the BBC.To view the eclipse through a colander, viewers can place a blank piece of paper behind the utensil and view a kaleidoscope of shadows unfold below.Britons can also make a simple pinhole projector to view the eclipse, where more than 90 per cent of the Sun will be covered by the Moon.Experts suggest poking a small hole through a piece of card or paper using the tip of a ballpoint pen.While facing away from the Sun, hold the card in one hand and a blank piece of paper in the other.Then, line up the two so that the Sun becomes visible on the paper and view the phenomenon.A pinhole viewer can also be be made out of a cereal box.SOLAR ECLIPSE - READ MORE:Britain set for stunning night of stargazing with meteor shower to coincide with first total solar eclipse since 1999Octopus Energy offers FREE electricity to customers who cut usage during this week's solar eclipseWhen and where to watch spectacular solar eclipse across Britain this weekThis will block out all the surrounding light, creating a clearer image of the eclipse.This is done by cutting out a piece of paper and attaching it to the bottom of the box.Then, after taping the box shut, cut out a small square on one half to see the paper at the bottom with one eye.On the other half, cut another small square and a piece of foil large enough to cover the square - then poke a small hole in the middle of the foil.Nasa has told viewers not to video the eclipse on their mobile phones, warning that the sensors in a phone camera could be damaged without a special solar filter."To take images when the Sun is partially eclipsed, you'll need to use a special solar filter to protect your camera, just as you'll need a pair of solar viewing glasses (also called eclipse glasses) to protect your eyes," Nasa said.This year's eclipse will begin at 6.17pm for those in London, Bristol and Cardiff.After the 1999 total solar eclipse, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists reported around 70 cases of people experiencing vision problems from looking up, the UKHSA said. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
Rod Stewart, 81, cancels ALL remaining tour dates after being rushed to hospital
Sir Rod Stewart has pulled out of all his remaining 2026 US tour dates after being rushed to hospital on Sunday for heart surgery.The 81-year-old rock icon announced on Instagram that he underwent a coronary stent procedure in the early hours of this morning, saying he would need four weeks to recover.The decision effectively ends his American and Mexican performances for the year, with the tour originally set to run through September."I'm already feeling better and very much on the mend," he said. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say "I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone who has taken such wonderful care of me.""I am deeply disappointed to miss these shows and sorry to let my fans down, but I look forward to getting back on stage and having a good time with you all again soon."His representatives confirmed that Sir Rod was "doing very well" after the procedure and had "returned to his normal daily activities".Their statement added: "On the advice of his doctors, he will take the next four weeks to recuperate and regain full fitness before returning to the stage.""Unfortunately, this means he will be unable to continue his current tour dates.""Information regarding affected performances will be communicated by the respective promoters and venues."The cancelled shows included dates across Ohio, Illinois and Mexico, along with a six-night residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.Two performances in Colorado remain in the diary for September 2027.LATEST MUSIC HEADLINES FROM GB NEWS:Brian May issues warning as he insists 'don't need AI' and pleads for action 'before it's too late'Boy George threatens to fire bandmates who refuse to perform controversial pro-Israel songEngelbert Humperdinck: 'Eurovision is all about the politics - UK won't win until judges play fair!'The announcement followed the postponement of concerts in Cincinnati and Cleveland due to medical concerns.Cleveland's Rocket Arena had earlier confirmed the cancellation on social media, writing: "Following a period of monitoring, doctors have advised Rod Stewart to rest for at least 48 hours."As a result, his performance tomorrow night, August 11, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland has been cancelled.""Rod is disappointed to miss the show and appreciates everyone's understanding. He looks forward to returning to the stage soon."Health troubles had already disrupted his schedule earlier in the year, with shows cancelled or pushed back in both May and June, where he needed emergency oxygen on stage.In May, the Maggie May singer sent "apologies to my family of fans" in a statement to the Las Vegas Review-Journal after cancelling performances in Nevada, adding: "I am on vocal rest as I recover from a sinus infection."Fewer than four weeks later, his San Diego concert was scrapped following a diagnosis of a respiratory infection that led to laryngitis.But on a brighter note, Sir Rod became a grandfather for the sixth time earlier this month when his daughter Ruby had a baby boy named Levi.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
'Overwhelmed' probation officers warn of early prison release crime risk
The chief inspector of probation for England and Wales has told the BBC the early release of thousands of prisoners could lead to "a serious sexual or violent offence or even murder" because of the demands on probation staff to monitor offenders. The government is set to release 5,000 offenders from October as part of new laws to create more space in overcrowded prisons. Probation officers supervise offenders after prison sentences and check they follow the terms of their release, such as sticking to curfews and not taking drugs. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said "protecting the public is our top priority", adding it had invested in probation and hiring trainee officers. Their workload will increase substantially when more offenders - some of whom will have been convicted of violent offences - will be released months earlier than planned as part of the Sentencing Act. According to the chief inspector, probation caseload has increased by 8% over the last two years. Much of that is down to a separate early release scheme which was implemented in 2024 after prisons nearly reached full capacity. That scheme has led to tens of thousands of offenders being let out sooner. When asked what risk the additional early releases due to start in the autumn could pose to the public, Jones said "that could be a serious sexual or violent offence or even murder". One probation officer told the BBC the upcoming releases had put him and his colleagues into "a state of panic". "We can't cope with this - we've been saying that to anybody who will listen. "At the minute I think it's pure panic in terms of where we're at. I don't understand how there can be this level of pressure put on us. "The worst that can happen is that things are missed, plans aren't put into place and we don't give people the level of service they need and that leads to serious further offences. "That leads to death under supervision." In a statement, an MoJ spokesperson said the department had exceeded its recruitment target for last year, with 1,389 trainee probation officers starting. The spokesperson said this is "making sure the Probation Service has the resource it needs to keep dangerous offenders under closer surveillance than ever before". "The Sentencing Act is restoring order to a prison system left on the brink of collapse, while our record £700m investment in probation and community punishment is ensuring staff have the resources, powers, and technology they need to manage offenders safely in the community," the spokesperson added.
All-British chocolate bar made by scientists using Reading-grown cocoa
Maha Khan, the University of Reading food security master’s student who created the chocolate bar. Photograph: University of Reading View image in fullscreen Maha Khan, the University of Reading food security master’s student who created the chocolate bar. Photograph: University of Reading All-British chocolate bar made -grown cocoa Master’s student made first bar with 100% UK ingredients since 1932 to highlight affect of climate crisis on cocoa plants The late queen was the only person in history to have ever eaten a chocolate bar made with 100% British ingredients, after she was given one as a six-year-old in 1932 ’s. The bar was created from a glasshouse-grown cocoa plant, at Rowntree’s headquarters in York. But now, others could have the same experience after scientists at the University of Reading created a bar with cocoa beans grown in Berkshire. Raw cacao beans are coated in a white flesh ‘that tastes like lychee’. Photograph: University of ReadingThe bar was crafted to celebrate the university’s 100th anniversary, made with cocoa grown from plants in the institute’s collection. The UK makes some of the world’s best chocolate in a market worth £10.4bn, but the industry is entirely reliant on imported cocoa. Maha Khan, a master’s student at the university, decided to make a bar with cocoa from Reading. She harvested, fermented, and processed the beans at the university’s food department. Why hot weather and chocolate can go together She said: “It has been amazing to follow the entire chocolate-making process, from pod to bean to bar, without leaving Reading. “This British bar of chocolate highlights the precarious nature of our food supplies. Cocoa plants are very sensitive to changes in temperature and rainfall, and climate change is already causing problems in countries that produce most of the world’s cocoa. Protecting different varieties is vital if farmers need hardier plants that can cope with a changing climate. “I hope this shows people just how much work goes into the chocolate we enjoy, and how important it is to protect cocoa farmers and communities around the world.” She said the chocolate is “delicious”, adding that it had a very rich flavour: “It’s incredible to taste the complexity of the flavour profiles as the cocoa is made from plants originating from over 300 varieties grown here. It was also really interesting to taste the raw cacao before it gets processed – the beans are coated in a white flesh that tastes like lychee and isn’t something many people in this country get to try.” skip past promotion after promotion View image in fullscreen Cocoa pods in the University of Reading’s international cocoa quarantine centre.
World News
View All 10Heroic Florida K-9 returns to sheriff's office days after being shot protecting 3 deputies, losing leg
close Video Hero K-9 returns to sheriff's office for first time since shooting, prepares for retirement K-9 Ace returned to the Polk County Sheriff's Office for the first time since surviving a line-of-duty shooting and losing his left front leg as the longtime police dog prepares for retirement. (Polk County Sheriff's Office via Facebook) NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Less than a week after being shot and losing a leg while protecting three deputies, heroic Florida K-9 Ace was back on his feet Tuesday for an emotional return to the sheriff's office. Ace, a 7-year-old German shepherd who has served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office since March 2020, was wounded as deputies attempted to arrest 27-year-old Angel Bowers. Authorities said Bowers allegedly fired at least four rounds at three deputies who were attempting to arrest him after he failed to appear in court. DEPUTY US MARSHAL FATALLY SHOT WHILE SERVING ARREST WARRANT IN LOUISIANA Polk County Sheriff's Office K-9 Ace returned to the agency less than a week after being shot while protecting three deputies and undergoing surgery to amputate his left front leg. (Polk County Sheriff's Office) Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Ace protected the three deputies from Bowers but was shot in his left front leg, shattering the bone and tearing an artery that caused massive blood loss. Ace's partner and handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, treated his wounds and carried him to safety, according to the sheriff's office. Ace was rushed to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, where he was stabilized before a Tampa General Hospital Aeromed helicopter transported him to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch. Veterinarians there performed a several-hour surgery to amputate his left front leg. On Sunday, the sheriff's office posted video showing deputies arriving at the veterinary medical center to greet an energetic Ace as he prepared to return home. AMERICA'S WOUNDED COPS FIND HOPE, HEALING AND SECOND CHANCE THROUGH OFFICERS WHO REFUSE TO LEAVE THEM BEHIND Video "Upon waking from the anesthesia, Ace attempted to walk out of there," the sheriff's office wrote. "He has not been deterred since. In fact he outran the camera attempting to film his release this afternoon!" Video shows Ace interacting with deputies before walking out of the medical center under his own power to thunderous applause while wearing a shirt that read "ride or die." Two days later, Ace made his first trip back to the sheriff's office since being shot in the line of duty. "Look at Ace.
STATE OF PLAY: Highly watched Hong race remains too close to call as progressives notch key primary wins
close Video Socialist Democratic Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong tells Fox News Digital ‘We need a united party' Francesca Hong, the socialist Democratic gubernatorial candidate, speaks with reporters after voting on primary day in Madison, Wisconsin. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A series of closely watched primaries across the Upper Midwest delivered key victories for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing Tuesday night — with one major test still hanging in the balance in battleground Wisconsin. Minnesota was among the clearest signs of progressive strength, with Lt. Peggy Flanagan winning the Democratic nomination for the U. Tina Smith, while progressive "Squad" member Rep. Ilhan Omar secured another primary victory in her overwhelmingly blue Minneapolis-area district. Angie Craig in a closely watched clash between the party’s progressive and establishment wings. Flanagan drew support from prominent figures on the left, while Craig had the backing of several leading establishment Democrats. SOCIALIST WINNING STREAK FACES MAJOR SWING-STATE TEST AS POLLS CLOSE IN WISCONSIN The 2026 midterms will determine control of the House and Senate, shaping President Donald Trump's legislative agenda during the final two years of his term. (Al Drago/) Meanwhile, progressive "Squad" member Rep. Ilhan Omar won the Democratic primary in Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, securing another victory for one of the most prominent members of the House’s progressive wing. Omar’s win adds to a string of primary victories for the congresswoman, who has previously survived well-funded efforts to oust her. MEET THE FAR LEFT INSURGENTS WAGING WAR ON THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN THE 2026 MIDTERMS Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is seeking another term in Minnesota’s heavily Democratic 5th Congressional District. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call/) But the biggest remaining question of the night is in Wisconsin, where Democratic voters are still waiting to learn who will carry the party’s banner in the race to succeed outgoing Gov. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is seeking to extend the progressive left’s string of victories in one of the nation’s most closely divided battleground states, where Democrats are fighting to keep control of the governor’s mansion. Hong, a 37-year-old former chef and single mother, has drawn backing from nationally known progressives, including Reps. Omar and Ro Khanna of California. DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in one of Tuesday night’s most closely watched primaries. (Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via ) She is running on a platform that includes raising Wisconsin’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $20 an hour, guaranteed paid leave and a one-year moratorium on new AI data centers.
What to Know About David Crowley, a Democratic Candidate for Wisconsin Governor
The Milwaukee County executive, who was locked in a tight race for the Democratic nomination against Francesca Hong, could become the first Black governor of Wisconsin.
Lisa Demuth Wins Republican Primary for Governor of Minnesota
Lisa Demuth beat Mike Lindell, the MyPillow founder who was endorsed by President Trump.
Politics
View All 108 Takeaways from Tuesday’s Primaries
A Democratic primary for governor in Wisconsin remained neck and neck early Wednesday, leaving a national battle between progressive and moderate wings largely unsettled.
Peggy Flanagan, a Progressive, Wins the Democratic Senate Primary in Minnesota
The victory by Minnesota’s lieutenant governor was the latest for the left-wing movement in the Midwest. She could become the first Native woman in the Senate.
Hollywood goes quiet as stars rethink speaking out on politics
As the midterm elections are heating up, more and more Hollywood stars say they’re putting a freeze on speaking out about politics, perhaps feeling burned by the 2024 White House race. In recent months, entertainers from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to Jennifer Lawrence and Paris Hilton have said that they intend on keeping their political…
Scott faces progressive challenger in Vermont gubernatorial contest
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) is projected to face progressive Democrat Amanda Janoo in the state’s November election, according to Decision Desk HQ. Scott has served as the state’s top official since his election in 2016, and he is running for a sixth term in office. The governor is widely considered a moderate Republican, and…
Business
View All 10Houthi attack kills six in first fatalities in Red Sea in over a year; U.S. strikes container ship
Livestream Menu Iran-backed Houthi rebels killed six people in an attack on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. S. forces fired missiles at a container ship attempting to breach Washington's blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman. The twin incidents show how the war is inflicting a toll on two of the world's most critical shipping lanes. @LCO.1 @CL.1 The US Coast Guard seized advanced weapons and lethal aid from Iran, destined for Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen in the Red Sea on Jan. 28, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday, on February 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida, United States. The boarding team discovered over 200 packages that contained medium-range ballistic missile components, explosives, unmanned underwater/surface vehicle (UUV/USV) components, military-grade communication and network equipment, anti-tank guided missile launcher assemblies, and other military components. (Photo by CENTCOM / Handout/Anadolu via ) CENTCOM | Anadolu | Iran-backed Houthi rebels killed six people aboard a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday, the first reported fatalities from attacks targeting Red Sea shipping in more than a year. S. forces said they had fired missiles at a container ship that allegedly attempted to breach Washington's blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman. The twin incidents illustrate how the war, stretched into its sixth month, is inflicting a widening toll on two of the world's most critical shipping lanes, even as diplomats signal progress towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen's transport ministry said the casualties included four crew members aboard the vessel — identified as the Egyptian-owned, Tanzania-flagged Tihamah — three of them Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian. Separately, Yemen's coastguard reportedly said two members of the Yemeni government-allied National Resistance Forces were also killed in a follow-up strike as they carried out a rescue. Yemen's transport ministry said in its statement that it holds "the Houthi terrorist militias fully responsible for the deaths, injuries and damage inflicted on the commercial vessel "Tihamah" as well as for the serious consequences resulting from these attacks," according to a Google translation of Arabic. A Houthi-aligned media outlet later said the group's forces had targeted a ship carrying Saudi military equipment, though the Houthis haven't addressed the casualty figures officially. The Iran-aligned group declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea on July 20 after the collapse of a years-long Yemeni civil-war truce, calling it retaliation for a Saudi "siege" on Yemen, an allegation Riyadh has denied.
FirstFT: Vance asked Ukraine to halt strikes on tankers
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China-linked hackers hit Taiwan in unprecedented ‘autonomous’ AI cyber attack
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Poorer Americans are struggling to make ‘ends meet’, top Fed official says
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Technology
View All 10Chegg Coupon Codes August 2026: Save on Study, Textbooks, & More
Save StorySave this story Save StorySave this story Whether you’re taking courses yourself, or want to provide extra support for your school-aged children, Chegg is a good resource to help students succeed. Read below for some of the best rotating Chegg coupon codes and Chegg coupons we’ve found to help you save. Chegg Coupon: Unlimited Access for Just $19.95 per Month Like many subscription services, you can choose the study plan that works best for you and your academic goals. The Chegg Study Pack Unlimited Access is a comprehensive plan at $20 per month, and provides homework solutions, quiz and exam help, proofreading , plagiarism detection, and advanced math help. Unlock Chegg Study Promo for $15.95 per Month If you don’t need the advanced help that Unlimited (above) provides, the lower tier Chegg Study is only $16 per month (with no Chegg promo code needed) and includes only homework solutions, to help you get step-by-step support and find the answers you need when you’re stuck. Plus, Chegg is tailored for college students, with specific support and solutions to combat stress and help you reach your potential. Chegg isn’t just providing answers—with its trained tutors and AI tools, you’ll learn how to solve the problem and better understand your process while learning how to apply the steps for future problems. How to Use a Chegg Student Discount for Extra Savings If you’re an active member of one of the Chegg memberships outlined above, you get additional Chegg Perks—rotating bundles of bonus subscriptions and discounts that are automatically included. These perks are curated to students’ needs, and are intended to help students save on the services they’re probably already using, like streaming, food delivery, and mental health. Right now, the valid Chegg promo offers are an account with Tinder Gold, and Busuu, a language learning app. All you need to do to activate these offers is just sign into your account while on the Chegg Perks page. Save Up to 90% on Textbook Rentals and Used Textbooks With Chegg Deals Go back to where it all began and save with heavily discounted used textbooks and textbook rentals for short-term needs. You can save up to 90% on textbook rentals and used textbooks on Chegg (compared to purchasing new). And now with Chegg’s partnership with Valore, you have thousands of more options with books and digital access codes, the ability to compare prices with multiple trusted vendors, and fast shipping options.
Paramount+ Coupon Codes and Deals for August 2026
Save StorySave this story Save StorySave this story If you’re like me and have at least half a dozen streaming services, our Paramount+ coupon codes can help you save so you can watch the content you want without having to get rid of one of your other beloved content platforms. (I love pretending the world isn’t full of suffering around me and instead focus on Sylvester Stallone’s ever-changing Play-Doh face in Tulsa King.) Paramount Has a $1.5 Billion South Park Problem The White House says the show is “fourth-rate” after it showed Trump with “tiny” genitals. The controversy comes just as the FCC has greenlit Paramount’s merger with Skydance and promised to end DEI. + Free With a One-Week Trial If you’re unsure if you’ll actually want to commit to Paramount+, or if there’s a sports event like March Madness games and you only need to access the content for a little while, Paramount+’s free trial is a great option. The trial lasts one week, is for new subscribers only, and can’t be paired with other offers. There are tiered plans, including Essential, which allows for 3 devices, select Showtime series, NFL games, and can be streamed on up to 3 devices at once, but has ads; and Premium, which includes all that except there are no ads, downloadable content, CBS live, and all of Showtime content. Find the Right Paramount+ Plan Pricing and Get the Latest Deals It’s important that you choose the right Paramount+ streaming plan for you so that you can get the best bang for your buck. Lucky for you, all plans come with a 7-day free trial so you can make sure you’re choosing the right plan for you. The first is Paramount+ Essential, which is $8 per month. It has ads included, but you’ll have access to over 40,000 episodes and movies. And you’ll be able to stream on 3 devices at once, be able to watch NFL games on CBS and UEFA Champions League, and select Showtime series are also available. Paramount+ Premium is the next tier (and the most popular choice), which starts at $13 per month (after the free trial ends), and you’ll get everything mentioned in the previous tier, without ads. You’ll have all that as well as the ability to watch in 4K UHD, Dolby Vision or HDR10, downloadable movies and shows, streaming CBS live and all of Showtime’s content library.
India’s Yulu raises $93M as quick-commerce boom fuels e-bike demand
As India’s quick-commerce platforms race to deliver everything from groceries to smartphones in minutes, electric mobility startup Yulu has seized the boom, raising $93 million in fresh funding. The Bengaluru‑based startup offers electric two‑wheelers on weekly subscription plans, so delivery drivers can jump straight into the gig economy without buying their own vehicles. With around 50,000 vehicles in its fleet, Yulu reports that it logs about 1.6 million zero‑emission miles each week and powers more than 750,000 deliveries a day. The new funding will let Yulu grow that fleet to 200,000 bikes over the next two years and launch faster electric two-wheelers aimed at new logistics use cases. The Series C round comprised $63 million in equity led $30 million in debt financing. About $5.5 million of the equity component was used to buy shares from seed investors whose funds were nearing the end of their investment life, co-founder and CEO Amit Gupta said in an interview. The deal valued Yulu at about $170 million post-money, people familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. Gupta declined to comment when asked about the valuation and did not dispute the figure. Existing investors Bajaj Auto and Magna International did not participate in the round after waiving their pre-emptive rights, allowing GEF to acquire its target ownership stake, Gupta said. He added that the startup expects this to be its final equity fundraising before an eventual public listing, with future fleet expansion financed primarily through debt and lease financing. The business moves toward becoming profitable before interest and taxes next year, after achieving positive EBITDA last financial year, Gupta told TechCrunch. The startup also grew its revenue seven-fold between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2026, he said, without sharing specifics. The COVID shift Founded as a bike-sharing startup for urban commuters in 2017, Yulu found its biggest opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic as demand for food and grocery deliveries accelerated. Today, Gupta told TechCrunch that about 95% of Yulu’s revenue comes from renting electric bikes to gig workers on weekly subscriptions, while the rest is generated ‑based rental service in Bengaluru. The startup has also dropped an earlier plan to sell bikes directly to consumers. To fuel its next growth phase, Yulu is introducing a full-sized, higher‑speed electric scooter, called Yulu Express. It is designed for longer‑haul e‑commerce deliveries, bike taxis, and express parcel services — areas that its slower fleet could not previously cover. About a third of the planned 200,000‑vehicle fleet will be made up of this new model, Gupta said.
The lifesaving secret hidden inside a horseshoe crab's blue blood
The crab’s unique blue blood reacts to dangerous bacteria. That makes it a powerful tool when testing vaccines and other injectable medicines for contamination. “If you’ve had an injection, if you had an infusion, if you’ve had dialysis, if you’ve ever had a medical device, a vaccine, that [has] been tested for endotoxins using horseshoe crab blood,” Bolden explained. Each year, around 200,000 crabs are caught for the biomedical purposes each year in Massachusetts. Nationwide, that number has tripled over the last 20 years, according to 2024 data from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. While the crabs’ blood helps keep medicine safe, it also comes at a cost. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has historically estimated that about 15% of crabs die as a result of the biomedical process. “Without a doubt there is a negative impact on crabs through going through this process,” Bolden said. Horseshoe crabs don’t just help the biomedical industry, their eggs serve as a main source of food for other coastal wildlife. Scientists explain an impact to the horseshoe crab population creates a ripple effect throughout the environment. “You’re impacting migratory shore birds and sharks and turtles and spore fish, right? It’s all connected,” Bolden said. Scientists say there may be a better way to protect both people and horseshoe crabs. They have created a lab-made alternative to test medicines, so no crabs are needed. “It is the exact same protein, it is just made through biotechnology,” Bolden said. Bolden said scientists at Eli Lilly tested thousands of samples on hundreds of different products and determined the alternative performs the same or better than purified horseshoe crab blood does. Starting in 2016, Eli Lilly started to switch its testing to the lab-made version.
Science
View All 10A total solar eclipse will darken the sky for millions today! Here's what you need to know
It's Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999, and with a maximum of 2 minutes, 18 seconds of totality, it will be worth the wait … weather permitting! Even if you're not inside the path of totality, there's still plenty to see. A dramatic partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, offering millions more the chance to watch the moon take a 'bite' out of the sun. More than 90% of the sun will be covered for major cities such as London, Paris and Dublin. Where will the eclipse be visible? Today's eclipse will unfold over roughly 96 minutes as the moon's shadow races across Greenland, Iceland and Spain. Totality begins in Greenland in the late afternoon before reaching Spain in the evening, where skywatchers will witness the rare spectacle of a low-horizon sunset eclipse. Not sure what you'll see from your location? Check out our where to total solar eclipse guide for visibility details. Image 1 of 4 Path of totality ( using MapHub. net. Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community) Path of totality ( using MapHub. net. Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community) Path of totality ( using MapHub. net. Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community) Path of totality ( using MapHub. net. Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community) Image 1 of 4 View Original Image 2 of 4 View Original Image 3 of 4 View Original Image 4 of 4 View Original What time is the eclipse? The eclipse occurs at different times depending on your location. GMT Snæfellsjökull National Park, Iceland p. m. GMT Gijón, Spain p. m. CEST A Coruña, Spain p. m. CEST Mallorca, Spain p. m. CEST Looking for a more detailed breakdown of timings? Our what time is the eclipse guide can help. Can I watch the eclipse online? If you can't make it to a location within the path of totality, you can still experience the eclipse from home. We've rounded up the best ways to watch the eclipse online, including livestreams from the path of totality. Follow the eclipse with Space. com Our eclipse live blog will bring you the latest updates throughout the day, including weather reports, photos, videos and observations from across Greenland, Iceland and Spain.
British driver who broke sound barrier sets new speed record
A British driver who was the first person to break the sound barrier in a car on land has set a new speed record, this time in a hydrogen-powered vehicle. Andy Green, a 64-year-old retired Royal Air Force pilot, reached a speed of 406mph (654km/h) at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, the fastest a hydrogen-powered car has ever travelled. Green's record was measured as an average of two runs in a car powered , with a combined 1,600 brake horsepower (bhp). In 1997, Green drove the jet-powered ThrustSSC across Nevada's Black Rock Desert at 763mph (1,228km/h), making him the first, and still the only person, to break the sound barrier on land. This video can not be played Watch: Hydrogen-powered vehicle makes world record attempt at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats Twenty years ago, Green also set a world land speed record for a diesel vehicle in the JCB Dieselmax, attaining a speed of over 350mph (563km/h). The new record, set in JCB's Hydromax vehicle, surpassed the previous official hydrogen combustion title set in 2004 (185.5mph) . "Setting a world land speed record with hydrogen power, 20 years after Dieselmax, is a huge privilege. This record is a huge achievement by a world class team and superb technology," Green said. Last month, Green said his wife's encouragement was crucial in persuading him to accept the challenge after getting a call from JCB chairman Lord Anthony Bamford. Lord Anthony said: "Twenty years ago we came to Bonneville with JCB Dieselmax and showed what British engineering could do with diesel power. Today we have done it again - this time with engines powered by hydrogen." The JCB Hydromax was unveiled at the company's global headquarters in May The company had developed the Hydromax car in an attempt to set a new record for a hydrogen-powered vehicle. In May, the Hydromax reached 208mph (335km/h) during testing at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire.
SpaceX could make $500 billion in 2028, Elon Musk says
SpaceX is famous for launching, and landing, its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets and sending astronauts to space aboard its Dragon crew capsule. But that was just the beginning. Musk laid out just how deeply SpaceX is diving into AI during his 29-minute talk, which came a week after SpaceX's first-ever quarterly earnings call as a public company. "Probably in four or five years, AI will be 99% of the value of SpaceX; I'd say five years for sure," Musk said. "And the value of SpaceX will be some astronomical number." Astronomical is right. According to Musk, the company aims to get 10 gigawatts of AI compute up and running . That's a big jump from its current 1.4 GW, which SpaceX sells to tech companies and AI labs. "The value per watt is probably going to be 30 to $50, which means if we bring 10 gigawatts of AI online , it will be 300 to $500 billion a year in revenue," he said. "Big numbers." And those numbers will get even bigger over time, if all goes according to plan. SpaceX just announced plans to build a gigantic complex in Texas called Terafab, a joint operation with Tesla that will manufacture advanced semiconductor chips for a wide range of applications. And the company aims to launch a million of its "Starmind" AI satellites to low Earth orbit in the coming years using its fully reusable Starship megarocket, which is still in development. Over the longer haul, the company plans to establish factories on the moon that will build these off-Earth data centers. The satellites will be launched into space from the lunar surface via electromagnetic mass drivers — basically, high-powered rail guns. SpaceX envisions Starmind and its other AI efforts as returning almost unimaginable profits down the road. For example, in paperwork the company filed just before its record-breaking IPO, SpaceX identified an eventual "total addressable market" of $28.5 trillion, nearly $23 trillion of it in the AI field. It was corrected at p. m. Spaceflight and Tech Editor Michael Wall is the Spaceflight and Tech Editor for Space. com and joined the team in 2010. He primarily covers human and robotic spaceflight, military space, and exoplanets, but has been known to dabble in the space art beat. His book about the search for alien life, "Out There," was published on Nov. 13, 2018. Before becoming a science writer, Michael worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
UK to get best eclipse since 1999 as Moon blocks out Sun across Europe
A partial solar eclipse pictured in Christchurch, New Zealand, in September 2025 The UK will be treated to its fullest solar eclipse since 1999 - and the best the country will see for the next 50 years - on Wednesday evening. It will be visible across the whole of the UK, with up to 96% of the Sun's disc covered , depending on your location. Other parts of the world will get to witness a total eclipse. This includes northern Spain, where hundreds of thousands of people have travelled for the astronomical spectacle. The total eclipse will also be visible in Russia, Greenland, Iceland and Portugal. Immersive: How to watch the UK and Europe's best eclipse in 27 years In the UK, more than 90% of the Sun will be obscured , which will fall between and 19.15 BST, depending on where you are in the country. Devon, Cornwall and the western parts of Pembrokeshire in Wales are set to eclipse at its fullest, with 94% to 96% of the Sun obscured . The rest of Wales, Northern Ireland, parts of the West Midlands and the South West, and the westernmost parts of Scotland can expect to see 92% to 94% solar coverage. People across the UK have been scrambling for eclipse glasses - the specialist glasses used to watch the eclipse safely - with a staff member at a bakery in central London saying they had sold about 100 on Tuesday morning. Eclipse chasers scramble for glasses as stocks run low Experts urge people not to look directly at the Sun and to seek specialist glasses instead But when it comes to the weather, fortunes will be mixed. In much of the UK, clear skies should give many a good view of the eclipse. However, across some parts of north Wales, northern England and especially Scotland and Northern Ireland, areas of cloud could move in between and. Across some parts of western Scotland and in towards the north and west of Northern Ireland, cloud could bring outbreaks of rain. Depending on the location, the total eclipse will peak between and local time ( to BST). Crowds have been flocking from all over the world to northern Spain for the event with half a million visitors expected, according to the finance ministry. Julie who travelled with her family from Brest, France, to the Spanish city of Burgos, said she was "very excited". "We came from very far to see it in totality. It will be dark, the Moon will completely cover the Sun. "Although we know they happen quite often we're not always in the path of totality - they could be over the Pacific Ocean, but to have it over land is just incredible," he said.
Environment
View All 9Canada’s wildfire season is taking a heavy toll on First Nations
This story is published through the Indigenous News Alliance. When the chief of the Okanagan Indian Band looked down on his community from a helicopter last week, much of what he had known all his life was gone. Photographs, memorabilia, and Salish baskets had disappeared with them. More than 30 band members had lost their homes, naspəpʕásəs Dan Wilson said, along with around 200 homes and other structures belonging to non-band members. “Our loss is measured in the family histories that have been lost — especially the Elders who have lost their homes,” he said. To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. Here's How The destruction left ̓maplqs (the head of Okanagan Lake) comes amid a wildfire season that has repeatedly forced Indigenous peoples across Canada from their homes. As of Tuesday, 601 wildfires were burning across the country, including 113 classified as out of control and another 371 that remained out of control but were being monitored rather than actively suppressed. Those numbers have translated into a summer of evacuations, displacement, and, in some communities, devastating losses for First Nations. Wildfires have affected at least 81 First Nations and forced 9,131 people from their communities since April 1; 2,524 people remained evacuated as of Tuesday. As fires have threatened communities from British Columbia to Ontario, Indigenous leaders have raised concerns about inadequate firefighting equipment, delays in emergency assistance, and the information used to make evacuation decisions. In Ontario, a fast-moving fire devastated Namaygoosisagagun First Nation in July as residents fled by boat. At least 12 First Nations in the province have been fully or partially evacuated because of wildfires this summer, according to Chiefs of Ontario. The organization is demanding an independent public inquiry into what Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict called a “catastrophic and systemic failure” in the response. And last week, leaders of Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek were still fighting an Ontario government decision to withdraw wildfire implementation and evacuation orders while massive fires remained out of control nearby. To support our nonprofit environmental journalism, please consider disabling your ad-blocker to allow ads on Grist. Here's How For the Okanagan Indian Band, the immediate danger has eased. The wildfire, which started July 31 on reserve lands near Vernon, British Columbia, had burned about 6,550 acres as of Monday. It was classified as being held over the weekend, meaning it was expected to remain within its existing boundaries under prevailing and forecast conditions.
Solar eclipse glasses 'sold out everywhere' as people look for alternatives
Specialist glasses can offer protection for those who want to watch the eclipse People across Scotland have been frantically scrambling to find the right kind of protective eyewear as the UK prepares for the best view of a solar eclipse in nearly three decades. Up to 95% of the Sun will slowly disappear behind the Moon on Wednesday evening, in the most dramatic partial eclipse visible from the UK since August 1999. It is important never to look directly at the Sun as even brief exposure can cause lasting damage. But most high street stores have sold out of eclipse glasses and online shoppers who track down a pair risk them not being delivered in time. The Moon will start to move in front of the Sun in Scotland at about, with the whole event expected to last about two hours. But even one glimpse at the Sun can be really dangerous. Eclipse glasses offer protection from harmful rays of sunlight as the Sun can damage the retina and lead to vision problems. Legitimate pairs will have safety certification ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015 printed somewhere on the glasses. Previously, newspapers have given away free pairs for major events and school children have been pictured gazing up at the Sun wearing them. Spectators wore specialist glasses to observe the solar eclipse which swept the UK in August 1999 Yet in Glasgow city centre on Tuesday, the specialist glasses were like gold dust. Opticians said they had taken a lot of calls, with people desperately asking whether they had any eclipse glasses. But customers have had no luck as many shops made the decision not to stock the protective eyewear. Signs on the window of Jessops suggested eclipse glasses were sold out everywhere in Glasgow city centre Multiple signs dotted on the shop window of specialised photography retailer Jessops shared the same message. "Sorry, we are SOLD OUT of solar eclipse glasses," the notice read. "To our knowledge, everywhere else is sold out too." Staff at the Sauchiehall Street branch next to Buchanan Galleries said there had been a lot of interest in the glasses. They added that they had been in stock for several months but have all been snapped up, with no more available. Caitlin (middle) and Morgan (right) said they planned to DIY a pinhole projector to watch the eclipse
Eclipse chasers scramble for glasses as stocks run low
Health officials have said specialist glasses must be used a bakery in central London, stock has been flying off the shelves. "I've sold, like, 100 this morning," a staff member tells the BBC. But it's not baked goods driving queues out of the door - customers are here to buy eclipse glasses. They are among those hoping to catch a safe glimpse of Wednesday's solar eclipse - the UK's most significant since 1999 - but struggling to get their hands on the right gear. Experts have urged eclipse enthusiasts not to look directly at the Sun - with even brief exposure causing lasting damage - and to seek out specialist glasses instead. But online, pairs that meet safety specifications have all but sold out. Those still available either require a hefty next-day delivery fee or simply cannot arrive on time. Even the Royal Museums Greenwich - recommended as a reputable retailer - has sold out, citing an "unprecedented volume" of orders. Meanwhile, eclipse glasses have been turning up for sale in unexpected places as retailers try to capitalise on the demand. "I Googled 'where can I get eclipse glasses but not through the post', because I realised I was too late," one customer waiting to buy three pairs at the bakery on Monday tells BBC Radio 4's PM programme. "People have been struggling to find them all over," says another. How and when to solar eclipse With around 90% of the Sun set to be obscured , the UK is expecting its most significant eclipse in 27 years. The right glasses should have the international safety standard ISO 12312-2 printed on them, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised, and the lenses should not be scratched, torn or damaged. It has also advised buying a new pair rather than using ones from 1999, and to take caution when it comes to glasses being sold online as the scramble for safe spectacles has prompted eclipse chasers to trawl social media for tips. Solar eclipse 2026 weather forecast – where and when will the best view be? Watch safely says man with eye damage from eclipse A WhatsApp channel which advertises stock in corner shops - including some offering delivery - has attracted thousands of followers in a matter of days. Elsewhere, hopeful buyers in Reddit and Facebook threads are directed to online marketplaces, including for more expensive bulk purchases. Lily, 27, "posted on Instagram like everyone else did" after the glasses she ordered from Ebay failed to turn up. "I had like three or four people replying saying, 'if you find out where to get some, let me know'." She said her best hope was a newsagents rumoured to be selling stock late on Tuesday evening - but hundreds of hopeful buyers were expected to turn up. "I was like, I don't want to go to World War Three to find a pair of cardboard and plastic glasses.
Summer 2026 on course to be UK’s hottest on record, says Met Office – as it happened
Prediction comes amid warning of ‘extreme heat’ this week with temperatures of 38C possibleThe Guardian’s environment editor, Fiona Harvey, has written a useful explainer about the UK public services that are struggling in the extreme weather. You can read it in full here:There’s only one solution in the end to the drought now declared across most of England and that’s rain, says Hannah Cloke, professor of hydrology at the University of Reading.An important consequence of drought is that very dry soils can become less able to absorb rainfall when it does arrive. This can increase surface runoff and can even contribute to localised flash flooding, particularly if rain falls intensely over a short period.The current situation highlights the need to improve long-term resilience to both drought and flood risk as climate variability increases, and shows one more damaging impact of the burning of fossil fuels. Continue reading...
Weather
View All 9Amber warning of extreme heat affecting East of England
This page has an accessible alternative. What do the warning colours mean? Red warning Dangerous weather is expected and, if you have not done so already, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather. It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. Amber warning There is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans. This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property. Yellow warning Yellow warnings can be issued for a range of weather situations. It is important to read the content of yellow warnings to determine which weather situation is being covered . Follow alerts in the app UK weather warnings Wed 12 Aug No warnings Thu 13 Aug Amber weather warning Fri 14 Aug No warnings Sat 15 Aug No warnings Sun 16 Aug No warnings Mon 17 Aug No warnings Tue 18 Aug No warnings We are experiencing issues. These warnings may be out of date. Extreme heat × Tomorrow UTC+1 Tomorrow Very high temperatures may lead to impacts on Thursday. Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required Some heat sensitive systems and equipment may fail, with the potential for some power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses. More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays What should I do? Keep yourself safe ; drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun and avoid any exercise between 11am-3pm when the sun is strongest and close curtains in rooms that face the sun. If you are going out take water with you, stay in the shade, wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays , or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary. If using public transport, there are many simple things you can do to keep yourself safe; carry water with you, take a small hand-held battery powered fan, if you feel unwell get off at next stop for some fresh air, dress in light fabrics in light colours to help stay cooler, keep an eye on fellow passengers for signs they may be struggling.
Today: Sunny, Minimum Temperature: 19°C (67°F) Maximum Temperature: 32°C (90°F)
Search for a location Search Manchester - Weather warnings issued 14-day forecast Red Met Office Weather WarningsAmber Met Office Weather WarningsYellow Met Office Weather Warnings Forecast - Manchester Day Today , Sunny and light winds Sunny Sunny , High32° 90° Low19° 67° , Wind speed5 mph9 km/h S5 mph9 km/hsoutherly Sunny and light winds Thursday 13th AugustThu 13th , Sunny and light winds Sunny Sunny , High34° 93° Low17° 63° , Wind speed7 mph11 km/h S7 mph11 km/hsoutherly Sunny and light winds Friday 14th AugustFri 14th , Light cloud and a gentle breeze Light Cloud Light Cloud , High24° 76° Low13° 55° , Wind speed9 mph14 km/h W9 mph14 km/hwesterly Light cloud and a gentle breeze Saturday 15th AugustSat 15th , Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Sunny Intervals Sunny Intervals , High21° 69° Low11° 52° , Wind speed9 mph14 km/h NW9 mph14 km/hnorth-westerly Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Sunday 16th AugustSun 16th , Sunny intervals and light winds Sunny Intervals Sunny Intervals , High20° 68° Low13° 55° , Wind speed6 mph9 km/h W6 mph9 km/hwesterly Sunny intervals and light winds Monday 17th AugustMon 17th , Light rain and light winds Light Rain Light Rain , High20° 68° Low12° 54° , Wind speed7 mph11 km/h SW7 mph11 km/hsouth-westerly Light rain and light winds Tuesday 18th AugustTue 18th , Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Sunny Intervals Sunny Intervals , High20° 69° Low13° 56° , Wind speed9 mph14 km/h W9 mph14 km/hwesterly Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Wednesday 19th AugustWed 19th , Light rain showers and a gentle breeze Light Rain Showers Light Rain Showers , High20° 68° Low11° 52° , Wind speed10 mph16 km/h W10 mph16 km/hwesterly Light rain showers and a gentle breeze Thursday 20th AugustThu 20th , Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Sunny Intervals Sunny Intervals , High20° 67° Low11° 51° , Wind speed8 mph13 km/h W8 mph13 km/hwesterly Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Friday 21st AugustFri 21st , Light rain showers and a gentle breeze Light Rain Showers Light Rain Showers , High19° 66° Low9° 48° , Wind speed8 mph13 km/h W8 mph13 km/hwesterly Light rain showers and a gentle breeze Saturday 22nd AugustSat 22nd , Light rain showers and light winds Light Rain Showers Light Rain Showers , High20° 68° Low10° 50° , Wind speed6 mph10 km/h NW6 mph10 km/hnorth-westerly Light rain showers and light winds Sunday 23rd AugustSun 23rd , Light rain showers and light winds Light Rain Showers Light Rain Showers , High21° 69° Low11° 51° , Wind speed6 mph10 km/h N6 mph10 km/hnortherly Light rain showers and light winds Monday 24th AugustMon 24th , Sunny
Thursday: Sunny, Minimum Temperature: 17°C (63°F) Maximum Temperature: 34°C (93°F)
Search for a location Search Manchester - Weather warnings issued 14-day forecast Red Met Office Weather WarningsAmber Met Office Weather WarningsYellow Met Office Weather Warnings Forecast - Manchester Day Today , Sunny and light winds Sunny Sunny , High32° 90° Low19° 67° , Wind speed5 mph9 km/h S5 mph9 km/hsoutherly Sunny and light winds Thursday 13th AugustThu 13th , Sunny and light winds Sunny Sunny , High34° 93° Low17° 63° , Wind speed7 mph11 km/h S7 mph11 km/hsoutherly Sunny and light winds Friday 14th AugustFri 14th , Light cloud and a gentle breeze Light Cloud Light Cloud , High24° 76° Low13° 55° , Wind speed9 mph14 km/h W9 mph14 km/hwesterly Light cloud and a gentle breeze Saturday 15th AugustSat 15th , Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Sunny Intervals Sunny Intervals , High21° 69° Low11° 52° , Wind speed9 mph14 km/h NW9 mph14 km/hnorth-westerly Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Sunday 16th AugustSun 16th , Sunny intervals and light winds Sunny Intervals Sunny Intervals , High20° 68° Low13° 55° , Wind speed6 mph9 km/h W6 mph9 km/hwesterly Sunny intervals and light winds Monday 17th AugustMon 17th , Light rain and light winds Light Rain Light Rain , High20° 68° Low12° 54° , Wind speed7 mph11 km/h SW7 mph11 km/hsouth-westerly Light rain and light winds Tuesday 18th AugustTue 18th , Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Sunny Intervals Sunny Intervals , High20° 69° Low13° 56° , Wind speed9 mph14 km/h W9 mph14 km/hwesterly Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Wednesday 19th AugustWed 19th , Light rain showers and a gentle breeze Light Rain Showers Light Rain Showers , High20° 68° Low11° 52° , Wind speed10 mph16 km/h W10 mph16 km/hwesterly Light rain showers and a gentle breeze Thursday 20th AugustThu 20th , Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Sunny Intervals Sunny Intervals , High20° 67° Low11° 51° , Wind speed8 mph13 km/h W8 mph13 km/hwesterly Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze Friday 21st AugustFri 21st , Light rain showers and a gentle breeze Light Rain Showers Light Rain Showers , High19° 66° Low9° 48° , Wind speed8 mph13 km/h W8 mph13 km/hwesterly Light rain showers and a gentle breeze Saturday 22nd AugustSat 22nd , Light rain showers and light winds Light Rain Showers Light Rain Showers , High20° 68° Low10° 50° , Wind speed6 mph10 km/h NW6 mph10 km/hnorth-westerly Light rain showers and light winds Sunday 23rd AugustSun 23rd , Light rain showers and light winds Light Rain Showers Light Rain Showers , High21° 69° Low11° 51° , Wind speed6 mph10 km/h N6 mph10 km/hnortherly Light rain showers and light winds Monday 24th AugustMon 24th , Sunny
UK extreme heat prompts Cobra emergency meeting
A waterbombing helicopter fighting a fire at the Holme Fen nature reserve in Peterborough, England. The PM Andy Burnham will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee on Wednesday. Photograph: Ryan Jenkinson/ View image in fullscreen A waterbombing helicopter fighting a fire at the Holme Fen nature reserve in Peterborough, England. The PM Andy Burnham will chair a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee on Wednesday. Photograph: Ryan Jenkinson/ UK extreme heat prompts Cobra emergency meeting High temperatures continue with forecasts reaching 38C on Thursday and wildfires stretching emergency services The prime minister will chair a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee on Wednesday in response to extreme heat, which has caused wildfires and plunged many parts of Britain into drought. Andy Burnham will meet with ministers, officials and agencies as high temperatures continue across the UK on Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures of 33C forecast, and up to 38C on Thursday. It will be the second Cobra meeting this year on heatwaves, after one took place amid high temperatures in June. Ministers from Defra, the home office, the health department and officials from the Environment Agency will be present. A Downing Street spokesperson said the government understood firefighters, farmers and NHS staff were all facing challenges connected to the weather. ‘Real struggle’ to tame New Forest blaze as UK set for hottest summer on record The Met Office has said the UK is on course for its hottest summer on record, as parts of the country face their fifth heatwave this summer. Rare amber “extreme heat” warnings have been issued -east, East Midlands, east of England, West Midlands and South Yorkshire from 9am to midnight on Thursday. The government urged the public to pay attention to UK health security agency heat alerts and advised people to drink plenty of fluids and check in on family, friends and neighbours who may be at high risk. Southerly and south-easterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK.” On Tuesday, Steve Wright, general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), warned the country faces a “national emergency” because of the wildfires. Firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year, including 185 in the first 10 days of August alone, while July was the busiest month on record for wildfires with 458 incidents, the National Fire Chiefs Council said.
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