The UK Pulse The Pulse of the UK

Wildfire impacts in Europe and North America may last for years

A new study says wildfire impacts can persist for years, as Maui residents still report health and mental health challenges three years after the fires.

5 min read

People on benches and waterfront look toward a hazy Toronto skyline with CN Tower across the water

Parts of Grand Union Canal closed amid record dry spell

Part of the Grand Union Canal in Leicestershire has been closed to boats for about 10 miles because of low water levels after a record dry spell.

3 min read

More rail services in England set to slow as heatwave shrinks soil

Persistent drought is forcing more train speed restrictions and timetable changes across southern England, with South Western Railway expected to follow operators in the east.

3 min read

A Southeastern train passes through heat haze in Ashford, Kent

Spain battles destructive wildfires as new heatwave threatens

Firefighters in Spain are battling destructive wildfires that have forced more than 70,000 evacuations, with a new heatwave expected to worsen conditions from Wednesday.

5 min read

Charred remains of a home burned in the wildfires in the Madrid community. Burned out chairs and beds and fabric litter the floor

Sánchez says Spain sees light at end of wildfire fight

Pedro Sánchez said Spain’s authorities are beginning to see progress against wildfires, but warned of more difficult days ahead as a fourth heatwave approaches.

11 min read

A house and belongings destroyed by a wildfire as the fire continues to spread in Piedralaves, Spain

Cornish village battles heat after 55 days of winter rain

Cardinham in Cornwall is coping with a third heatwave in quick succession after 55 days of rain earlier this year, with children and villagers finding creative ways to stay cool.

3 min read

Matt Larcombe. A man is stuck in stocks, namely a board chick, with his head poking through. He has wet brown hair and is smiling. Behind him is a green field.

West Midlands canal users warn drought plans are needed

Canal users in the West Midlands say falling water levels are disrupting boating and trade, and are urging the Canal and River Trust and government to prepare for future droughts.

6 min read

A woman with shoulder length grey hair, large glasses and a green polo shirt standing in front of an area of green water and a tall brick building with black metal fencing in front of it

Best places to see the Buck Moon in the West Country

The Buck Moon will rise over the West Country on Wednesday night, with the best viewing spots in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset.

3 min read

How worried should Scotland be about jellyfish this summer?

Jellyfish sightings peak in Scotland in July and August, with divers and marine experts saying most species are harmless but some can sting painfully.

7 min read

A brownish orange Lion's Mane jellyfish underwater.

France and Spain wildfire witnesses describe fear and stress

Residents in France and Spain describe smoke, evacuations and fear as wildfires burn across tens of thousands of hectares and force more than 300,000 people to flee.

6 min read