UK weather latest: New thunderstorm alert issued as extreme heat warnings come into force

As temperatures climb, many of us enjoy the sunshine, but it’s vital to remember our canine companions.

Unlike humans, dogs struggle to regulate their body heat efficiently, making them particularly vulnerable during hot weather.

This means pet owners must take extra precautions and provide additional care to ensure their four-legged friends remain safe and comfortable.

To help keep your dog cool this summer, experts have shared essential tips.

The UK’s ongoing heatwave is set to peak on Thursday, with temperatures up to 37C in some areas.

But if you’re struggling to cope, you may be relieved to hear conditions are expected to cool from the weekend.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster David Oliver said: “While Thursday will be the peak of the heat this week, some warmth will remain in the south and southeast on Friday, before easing more widely on Saturday as cooler air spreads south from the northwest.”

A vast rethink on how this parched and panting land adapts to future hotter summers and wetter winters must be top of the in-tray for the new PM.

With travel routes paralysed, emergencies declared and more than 1,000 wildfires burning through the UK this year, government adviser Lucy Easthope explains why we need to wake up to reality.

Temperatures in parts of the UK have risen above 36C already, according to the Met Office.

Charlwood, near Gatwick Airport, has recorded the highest temperature so far of 36.4C.

This is now the ninth day in 2026 with temperatures reaching 35C or more, the forecaster said.

The health secretary has warned the NHS must start preparing for summer heat the same way it does for the winter.

Health officials said there has been a record 2.5 million A&E attendances last month amid two heatwaves.

Yvette Cooper made the comments after the data was published on Thursday, warning an “additional burden” was placed on the NHS by the heat.

“Today’s figures show how much of an additional burden is placed on the NHS during periods of extreme heat,” Ms Cooper said.

“I have made clear that we must start planning for summer pressures in the NHS in the same way we do for winter.”

Festival goers have been warned to stay safe and hydrated as extreme heat hits the UK.

Hampshire County Council has urged those attending Boomtown Festival to drink water regularly, stay out of the sun, and watch out for dizziness and signs of heat-related illness.

Johanna Jefferies, Associate Director, Public Health, Hampshire County Council, said: “We want everyone attending Boomtown to have a safe and enjoyable experience. With warm weather expected, it’s especially important to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun and look out for the people around you.

“Most heat-related illnesses can be prevented by taking simple precautions such as drinking water regularly, seeking shade and avoiding excessive alcohol. If you feel unwell, don’t ignore it and seek medical help on site if symptoms persist. Looking after yourself and others will help ensure everyone can enjoy the festival safely.”

Reservoirs are running low as almost three quarters of England has been plunged into drought, with climate experts warning more must be done to build resilient water infrastructure.

Reservoir storage for England has fallen to 69 per cent, more than 10 per cent below the long term average, the Environment Agency warned last week. Five reservoirs were classed as exceptionally low.

Some 27 million people are under hosepipe bans across the country, despite a rainier than average winter for England, which the Met Office ranked as the eight wettest on record.

But all this comes after one of the wettest winters on record. Dr Glenn Watts, director of water science at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), said the rapid switch from wet to dry conditions seen in England was a sign of the ‘whiplash’ events we could expect due to global warming.

Calling on “all retailers big and small” to withdraw the products, Mr Burnham said that the severe weather conditions “could be with us for some weeks yet”.

It followed a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee, convened to coordinate the response to the prolonged spell of hot and dry weather.

Bus drivers in London are set to go on strike over working conditions in hot weather as the capital suffers through another heatwave.

The Unite union said more than 1,500 Arriva North London bus drivers were taking industrial action on Friday and multiple other days, over concerns the company is not taking the issue seriously.

Most buses operated by Arriva North London have air cooling systems, which only manage to reduce temperatures by around two or three degrees Celsius rather than more effective air conditioning, the union said.

This means buses are still extremely hot for drivers and passengers, leading to health problems in the sweltering conditions.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The heatwave this week has caused even more problems for our members at Arriva North London, who have once again faced doing a demanding job in unbearable conditions.

“No worker should be made ill by their job.

“This problem is raised year after year and as the summers get hotter it can no longer be swept under the carpet.

“Arriva can afford to act on this serious issue, which puts both drivers and the general public at risk, and it must make this a priority.”