I am method writing this from my broiling garrett, hot desking in the solitary and literal sense. It’s 31°C outside, while inside, or so my fan informs me, it’s a toasty 29°C. I love WFH, but not in this weather. Terraced houses weren’t built for heat. What I’d give to be in an office, near a watercooler, in a thermostatically controlled environment so chilly I have goosebumps.
Which likely makes me an OHC – overheated freelance cliché – for at this stage in the game, with the heatwave having lasted a record 37 days (according to the Met Office), you can’t be a UK resident without falling into one tribe or another. Read on to see whether any of these are your people.
The AC bore
In the lexicon of chat, few topics are more boring than the efficacy of another person’s aircon. You wouldn’t talk about the performance of your Worcester Bosch during Christmas drinks, so why is it okay to bore on about your 29” Russel Hobbs tower fan in a beer garden? The AC bore lures you in gently by asking how you slept and sympathising with the warm belch emitted by your Pifco desk fan. Once they have you captive, they’re off. Floor fans? Don’t bother. You need a portable aircon unit with at least 12000 BTU. No, not an X – they’re overrated foreign crap. What, you don’t have a Dyson Cool PC1 with ten speed variables and 350-degree oscillation? Yes, it is spenny, but they bought theirs in the January sale. Didn’t you?
Stunning solar eclipse dazzles Europe – in pictures
From Aberdeen to Penzance, from Aberystwyth to Hull, skywatchers were out in force yesterday to see the best solar eclipse in a generation.
In pictures
The spectacle continues
A once-in-a-lifetime experience for many
The event sparked huge interest for people across the UK as the Moon covered more than 90 per cent of the Sun.
It was the first time for many, with the last full eclipse occurring in August 1999. However, eclipse enthusiasts will have to wait until 23 September 2090 for the next one.
A scramble for eclipse glasses
Looking directly at the eclipse with the naked eye, or even sunglasses, can cause permanent damage, so a scramble for eclipse glasses ensued around the country.
Huge queues formed at shops which still had stock left, while many had already sold out and were forced to turn away customers.
Temperatures to hit 38°C today as amber warning expanded
Sweltering temperatures of up to 38°C are set to hit the UK today.
The Met Office has today issued an updated amber extreme heat warning for areas across the UK lasting from 9:00 to 23:00.
The relentless heat means that this summer is likely to be the hottest on record.
A dangerous period of heat
The sweltering temperatures forecast today mark the peak of the UK’s latest heatwave.
Tropical nights, where temperatures fail to drop below 20°C, are also expected as humid air spreads into western areas, which can place additional stress on the body.
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An extraordinarily dry period
The lack of rain has piled pressure on farming, freight shipping and energy production, after the UK saw its driest July in 190 years.
Up to 27 million people find themselves under water-use restrictions and 1,017 wildfires have devastated vegetation across England and Wales so far this year, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council.
Temperature records likely to be beaten
More long-standing temperature records are likely to be broken over the coming days.
- Wednesday became the first day in August to reach 35°C or more, making it the 4th consecutive month to reach this temperature.
- If temperatures reach 36°C or higher, 2026 will become the first year to record four separate days at or above that threshold.
- If temperatures reach 38°C today, there is a chance that the record for the hottest August day, which currently stands at 38.5°C, could be broken.
- Provided August temperatures remain average or above for the month, this summer will replace 2025 as the warmest on record.
The heatwave in pictures
Firefighters call for water bomb aircraft to tackle wildfires
Firefighters have called for “wildfire-fighting aircraft” to help combat spate of blazes as Britain braces for another heatwave, with temperatures set to rise above 35°C, possibly reaching 38°C.
The ‘dangerous’ scam tricking users into authorising
Concerns have been raised by the consumer group Which? over a “dangerous” scam that tricks victims into authorising card payments.
Familiar tactics
Which? warned that scammers may use similar tactics to those used in authorised push payment (APP) scams – where people are manipulated into making a bank transfer.
However, in this scam, victims are instead convinced to approve card payments.
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Victims may face difficulty in getting their money back
Which? warned that victims may struggle to claim for payments they have authorised to a legitimate company, as the company has provided the intended services, even though it is part of a chain of fraud.
How to protect yourself from scams
- Never share sensitive information.
- If you receive an unexpected call, ring your bank immediately.
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Universities at risk of going bust before 2026 freshers finish their degrees
Some universities are at risk of going bust before 2026 freshers have finished their degrees, experts have warned.
Bankruptcies, mergers and course closures are expected to accelerate from 2030 because of a projected decline in the population of 18-year-olds.
Why are universities struggling?
An immigration crackdown on lucrative oversea students and limits on tuition fees for British students has taken a financial toll on universities.
- Analysts previously said at least 119 higher education providers, accounting for 43 per cent of the sector, are “struggling financially” because of budget deficits.
Looming mergers
Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) think-tank, said that more mergers between institutions will “definitely” happen.
- Hillman said it is predicted that over the next five years, student numbers will drop despite a record number of 18-year-olds securing their first choice this year.
- The Russell Group of elite universities will likely snap these up and could mean that less prestigious universities lose over 25 per cent of their undergraduate student fee income, according to a report by HEPI.
Courses closing
Mergers and a decline in applications to specialist institutions could see a decline in the number of courses available.
This is already being seen, with around 27,000 courses available in clearing this year, compared to 30,000 reported in previous years, according to Ucas.
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Concern raised over vape fluid chemical – what we know
Pregnant women should be warned of a “potential harm” linked to a common chemical used to flavour vapes, scientists have said.
What you need to know
Vanillin study
Research has found that vanillin, a flavouring in e-cigarettes, could “compromise core processes of early human development”.
Pregnancy warning
Mothers-to-be should be alerted to the findings, said study lead Prof Prue Talbot from University of California Riverside.
Vape packaging
The researchers called on regulators to consider mandatory ingredient disclosure on vape packaging.
A closer look at the science
What the US study found
- The US scientists exposed embryonic stem cells to vanillin in a series of lab tests.
- They found that even low doses, known as nanomolar concentrations, led to the early-stage cells losing the ability to develop.
- “Our data predict that nanomolar concentrations of vanillin may reach the embryo in pregnant women who vape,” Prof Talbot said.
- Marian Knight, professor of maternal and child population health at the University of Oxford, said the study was “well designed”.
- However, she noted that the way in which cells were exposed to the vanillin is “very different from how the cells of a developing embryo might come in contact with vanillin”.
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Caught the eclipse bug? Here’s where to see it next year
If yesterday’s solar eclipse ignited your interest in astronomical phenomena, you’re in luck.
There are more eclipses to come in 2027 and 2028.
What you need to know
On 2 August 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross Southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, with the path of totality lasting up to six minutes and 23 seconds near Luxor, Egypt. In 2028, there will be a total solar eclipse on 22 July crossing Australia and New Zealand.
There will also be annular eclipses on 6 February 2027 and 26 January 2028.
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How often do these events occur?
These events occur somewhere on Earth around every one-to-two years and create a “ring of fire” when the Moon is in front of the Sun, but too far away to block it entirely.
The 2027 annular eclipse will be visible along a path crossing South America and Africa, while the 2028 annular eclipse will cross parts of South America, the Atlantic, Europe and Africa.
Where and how to see the 2027 total eclipse
- In Spain, the zone of totality will include the province of Cadiz, part of Malaga province, the southernmost areas of the Granada and Almeria provinces and the Strait of Gibraltar.
- In North Africa, the eclipse will last up to six minutes and 23 seconds in Luxor, Egypt. Also in the path of totality are parts of Algeria, Gibraltar, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.
How stair walking could slash early death risk
Avoiding escalators or lifts could cut your risk of an early death as well as staving off heart attacks, heart failure and stroke, according to a study.
What you need to know
Stair study
Choosing the stairs is an “overlooked” way to get daily exercise, found researchers from the University of East Anglia.
Less likely to die
Regular stair climbers were 24 per cent less likely to die from any cause compared with those who don’t use the stairs as often.
Heart health
The findings suggest stair climbing may be linked to a fall in heart attacks and stroke.
What scientists say
It’s a good option for people who don’t have much time or easy access to exercise. Even brief bursts of physical activity have beneficial health impacts.
Dr Sophie Paddock of UEA’s Norwich Medical School
Why campaigners are encouraged
Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, said a stroke was the fourth most common cause of death in the UK.
Bouverie said it was “encouraging that something as simple as taking the stairs could reduce the risk of early death and may also be linked to fewer cardiovascular health problems including strokes”.
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Do some foods leave
you feeling hungry rather than satiated? Experts say there are…
Foods that leave you hungrier
A bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice
More refined cereals are digested quickly, and fruit juice, whilst one of your five-a-day, contains less fibre than whole fruit. This might mean you find yourself hungry again within 1-2 hours of eating this breakfast.
Swap the orange juice for a whole orange, the cereal for oats and milk or serve it with Greek yoghurt or a boiled egg. This would increase the fibre and protein content; two nutrients strongly linked with fullness.
Foods that leave you hungrier
These pastries are made primarily from refined flour and butter, and are relatively low in protein and fibre.
Toast and jam
Shop-bought packs can contain a lot of white rice, which is digested quickly, and the protein content is often modest.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Vegetable soup
On its own, it is often very low in protein and calories, so hunger can return quickly.
Unless it’s loaded with veggies, it’s probably pretty low in fibre.
Liquids are generally less filling as they require little chewing which may not trigger satiety signals.
Foods that leave you hungrier
Snack bars
They are ideal for a quick pick-me-up, but if reducing hunger is what you’re after, it’d be better to swap it out.
Low-fat yoghurt
A full-fat plain Greek yoghurt with berries and seeds tends to be much more filling due to the protein, fat and fibre.
On an empty stomach, it can actually increase your appetite.
What to eat instead
Instead of thinking about avoiding foods, think about what you can add to them.
- Add beans, lentils or shredded chicken to your vegetable soup and pasta.
- Thicken your smoothies with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds and oats.
- Apple slices with peanut butter, yogurt with berries and hummus with oat biscuits are better snack options than a pre-made snack bar.
- Have alcohol alongside a balanced meal containing protein and fibre.
The acclimatiser
Is it 35°C outside? They hadn’t noticed. This is because they’ve acclimatised. How do you know they’ve acclimatised? Because they’ll tell you at any given or ungiven opportunity. “Honestly? The heat isn’t really getting to me any more. I think I’ve acclimatised,” they’ll say. Not for them, the night-time hell of lying spread-eagled and sodden on top of a sheet. They slept brilliantly, thanks. So acclimatised have they become to Britain’s sweltering new normal that they don’t even need to walk around half-naked like the rest of us. They’re in jeans, a long-sleeved shirt and this season’s leather jazz shoes, just to ram the point home.
The animal welfare expert
If it’s a tough time to be a dog, it’s an equally tough time to be a dog owner. Granted, you’re not covered in hot, thick, shaggy fur like poor Bailey/Milo/Teddy, but still, you have better things to do than get up at 7am to walk him, like sleeping. After a few too many Old Rosies in The Cork and Bank Loan, you accidentally set off at 11am, later than planned. Before you’ve even chucked the ball, you’re being verbally abused by a wild-eyed woman who seems to be accusing you of animal cruelty. You can’t catch everything she’s saying, but “paw pads”, “burnt” and “w**ker” feature heavily. Apparently, if you walk your dog when the mercury is higher than 26°C, you are the spawn of Satan. You go home, chastened, pat the dog with a cold flannel and panic-call the vet.
The global warming refusenik
Global warming? Load of b**locks. There’s nothing wrong with the ice caps: their neighbour’s cousin’s missus went to Lapland last Christmas, and there was loads of snow. As for the wildfires, they’re a conspiracy. Some plank – probably foreign – didn’t stub their cigarette out. Happens every summer. They don’t know why everyone’s complaining, frankly: 37°C is perfect weather for sunbathing, which is why they’re spending the afternoon in the Costa del back garden, splayed out on a lounger like Ray Winstone in , right down to the canary yellow micro-trunks. Which saves the plane trip to Lanzarote, so don’t you dare tell them they’re not doing their bit for the environment.
The statistician
For every person who takes the heatwave in their stride, there’s a person who is scared witless. The torrid heat feels oppressive and without end, its airlessness leaving them claustrophobic and completely out of sorts. In a bid to remain calm, they seek solace in facts, as though the very act of knowing it’s the hottest British summer on record will segue back control from a vengeful god. They’ll tell you it’s the first year the UK has reached 35°C in May, June, July and August, and never tire of saying that it’s hotter than Rhodes/Ibiza/hell, as if they’re the only ones with access to a weather app. Be gentle with them, for they are .
The ice cube gobbler
In every house share or family, there is one person who unilaterally decides that every ice cube in the ice tray/ice bag exists for them and them alone, as though nobody else could possibly fancy a freezing cold drink to take the edge off. Clunk-clunk. Clunk-clunk-clunk. There they go again, plundering the freezer’s most precious natural resource with a selfishness that wouldn’t be so intolerable if they ever bothered to refill the ice tray. Do they know how long it takes an ice cube to freeze? No, neither did you until your fury drove you to ask Claude. 6-8 hours. An entire working day. Six cubes in one iced coffee is taking the p*ss. What is this, Starbucks?
The hosepipe grass
You’d think they’d have something better to do than monitor their neighbours’ water consumption, but no. Like an African elephant, they’re able to smell water from afar and will stick their trunk – sorry, head – out of their upstairs window to chastise anyone who has the temerity to water their herbaceous borders. “You’re. Not. Allowed. To. Do. That,” they’ll shout, enunciating every word. “I’m. Telling. The. Council.”
The topless man
Which of us hasn’t decided that tops are unnecessary in 31°C heat? Well, anyone with breasts, for one. Where men can stroll toplessly through the park without a care in the world, women have to wear bikinis as a minimum. Where men can get on the bus topless, women would be arrested. Where’s the justice in that? For some women [usually Gen Z?], the very fact that men are allowed to get it all out in a heatwave, when women can’t, makes them feel enraged every time they see a man shirtless. With the exception of Jude Bellingham, they think all men should wear clothes on public transport. It might be hotter than a witch’s tit, but that doesn’t mean they want to see yours.