Background: The UK has been experiencing a prolonged summer heatwave, with drought declared across more than half of England and all of Wales, record-low July rainfall, and a new UK June temperature record. Today: England and Wales have officially recorded their driest July since records began in 1836, with England receiving just 6.5mm of rainfall (10% of average) and Wales also setting a new record. Northern Ireland had its eighth driest July. Southern England was hardest hit, with some areas like the Sussex coast receiving less than 0.2mm. The dry conditions are expected to persist in parts of southern England through August, with forecast models showing uncertainty. Meanwhile, a tropical disturbance in the Atlantic has an 80% chance of developing into a short-lived tropical depression, potentially named Dolly, bringing gusty winds and heavy rain to the Lesser Antilles. In India, monsoon flooding in Assam has caused 100 deaths and displaced 700,000 people, including 300,000 near the Brahmaputra River, with lightning killing 14 people in eastern India on August 4.

Background: The UK has been experiencing a prolonged summer heatwave, with drought declared across nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales, prompting an emergency Cobra meeting and record wildfire numbers. Today: The UK has deployed military personnel to assist firefighters in south Wales for the first time since 2018, with about 100 personnel initially and 100 more arriving, including Gurkha logistics teams with water tankers. A massive wildfire near Blaenavon has burned over 4,000 hectares for over three weeks, with soldiers digging firebreaks and thermal camera drones in use. A national emergency alert was sent to phones in England and Wales warning of a 'very high risk of wildfires nationally', the most extensive use of the system to date. Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues in England, Scotland, and Wales, and plans to commission firefighting planes like the Canadair. At least 19 homes were destroyed and 18 damaged in a fire in Stourbridge, West Midlands, with 54 people treated for smoke inhalation. Multiple arson arrests have been made, including four 14-year-old boys in Porth, and others in Stoke-on-Trent, King's Norton, and east London. The government also allocated £65m in drought support for farmers. The number of wildfires in England and Wales has passed 1,017, matching last year's record, with 11 major incidents declared in a 24-hour period.

Background: Wildfires in Stourbridge, West Midlands, destroyed homes and scorched land, with fire crews responding across multiple sites. Today: Major wildfires swept across the West Midlands on the UK's hottest day of the year, destroying dozens of homes and forcing evacuations. In Stourbridge, 19 houses were fully destroyed and 18 damaged, with over 100 firefighters battling the blaze. Major incidents were declared in Warwickshire and Staffordshire, with fires in Pershore, Stoke-on-Trent, and Birmingham causing additional damage. Two arrests were made on suspicion of arson. The fires were fueled by record heat and tinder-dry conditions, highlighting increased wildfire risk due to climate change. Update: The wildfires have caused widespread destruction, with 19 houses fully destroyed and 18 damaged in Stourbridge alone. A total of 54 people were treated by paramedics, with 19 admitted to hospital. Major incidents were declared in Warwickshire and Staffordshire, with fires in Pershore, Stoke-on-Trent, and Birmingham causing additional damage and evacuations. Two arrests have been made on suspicion of arson, and firefighters continue to damp down hotspots. The fires occurred on the UK's hottest day of the year, with temperatures reaching 38C in Pershore, and were fueled by tinder-dry conditions. The National Fire Chiefs Council reports 1,017 wildfires in England and Wales this year, matching last year's record.

Background: The UK government's early release scheme to ease prison overcrowding sparked backlash after it was confirmed that Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, convicted of manslaughter for the 2019 death of PC Andrew Harper, would be eligible for release after serving half their sentences. Today: A petition to block their early release has surpassed one million signatures, with police chiefs and politicians pressuring Prime Minister Andy Burnham to exclude those who kill emergency workers from the scheme. Burnham has asked his justice secretary to fast-track a plan to increase prison capacity, but warned that preventing all early releases could collapse the prison system. The petition, started by Thames Valley Police Federation chair Aileen O'Connor, has drawn support from police chiefs and politicians, with two open letters sent to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The milestone was acknowledged by the federation without fanfare due to the seventh anniversary of PC Harper's death. Burnham reiterated that it is 'simply not possible to prevent all offenders from being released early without the prison system collapsing.' Henry Long, the driver sentenced to 16 years, remains ineligible for the new early release conditions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked a diplomatic row by calling the UK 'the Islamic republic of Britain' and joking it could become 'the first Islamic republic with nuclear weapons' during an army radio podcast. The British government condemned the remarks as 'completely unacceptable' and raised them with Israeli officials. The incident underscores strained UK-Israel relations, particularly over Gaza policy under new British PM Andy Burnham, and has drawn criticism from Israeli opposition figures.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a £65 million support package for farmers affected by drought, including £50 million for the sustainable farming incentive and £15 million for on-farm reservoirs. The move follows criticism from Labour MPs and campaigners that the government was slow to address the climate crisis, with farmers facing early harvests and low yields due to extreme heat. Burnham emphasized that farmers should not bear the risks of climate change alone, and the government is also easing water abstraction rules and supporting new reservoir development.

Background: The UK Labour government under Andy Burnham faces decisions on North Sea oil and gas projects, balancing manifesto pledges, industry pressure, and climate commitments. Today: As the UK endures record heat, wildfires, and drought, the government launched a consultation to cut the 2030 EV sales target from 80% to as low as 50%, drawing criticism from climate groups who say it undermines key climate policy. The move coincides with imminent decisions on the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields, with environmentalists urging rejection. Prime Minister Burnham acknowledged climate change as the cause of the extreme weather and announced emergency measures, while defending his 'pragmatic' approach to fossil fuels. On the same day the UK recorded its hottest day of the year (38°C) and amid severe wildfires and drought, the government launched a consultation to cut the 2030 EV sales target from 80% to as low as 50%, with options of 70% or 60% also on the table. The consultation, running until 23 October, also considers extending flexibilities to 2034 and changing van targets. Environmental groups and the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit criticized the move, warning it could add millions of tonnes of CO2 annually and reduce EV sales by up to 5.8 million. The automotive industry, represented by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, supported the review, citing pressure on manufacturers. The government also faces imminent decisions on Rosebank and Jackdaw fields, with a consultation on Rosebank closing Monday. Prime Minister Burnham acknowledged climate change as the cause of the wildfires and announced measures including a temporary ban on disposable barbecues, military deployment, and plans to commission firefighting planes.

A Southern Rail train carrying 150 passengers derailed near Lewes, East Sussex, injuring 20 people, two seriously. The incident has led to the indefinite closure of the line between Haywards Heath and Lewes, causing weekend cancellations on the London Victoria to Eastbourne route. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is investigating, with heat-related track buckling being considered as a potential factor. A separate derailment occurred in Essex on the same day.