More than half the world’s population now lives in cities that are often much hotter than their rural surroundings. Roads, buildings and paved surfaces absorb and store heat during the day, then release it slowly after sunset. This is known as the urban heat island effect.

Discussions about why cities overheat tend to focus on buildings, which is understandable. As well as absorbing solar radiation, residential and office buildings consume a lot of energy through lighting, heating and air conditioning. They release waste heat, and shape the flow of air through surrounding streets.

But another source of urban heat receives much less attention: traffic.

Motorised vehicles release heat directly into the urban environment. This is especially true of petrol and diesel vehicles, where much of the fuel energy is lost as waste heat from internal combustion engines and exhaust systems. Tyres, brakes and friction with the road surface all add to these heat emissions.

In streets with heavy traffic and limited ventilation, traffic can be a significant source of human-made heat – as my recent study with colleagues of two major European cities shows.

In the southern French city of Toulouse, our modelling found that traffic heat increases the average annual air temperature by about 0.4°C. In Manchester, a typically cooler city in the north of England, the average annual air temperature increased by around 0.25°C thanks to its traffic.

These numbers may sound small, but in urban climate terms they are meaningful. During heatwaves, even small increases in air temperature can worsen thermal discomfort, increase health risks and raise demand for cooling.

Our past research has shown how the intensity, frequency and length of urban heatwaves are projected to increase in many parts of the world by 2070 (see maps). This includes cities in North America, Europe, India and China. Our latest work suggests these rises could in part be mitigated by reducing urban petrol and diesel traffic.

Projected urban heat changes by 2061-70:

How Manchester and Toulouse compare

The Community Earth System Model is a widely used open-source model for simulating interactions between land, atmosphere, climate and human activity – launched by the US National Center for Atmospheric Research in 2010.

However, traffic-related heat was not considered by the model – so we developed a new module for it which estimates heat generated from factors like traffic volume, vehicle type, road characteristics and weather conditions. Our results change depending on the time of day, according to the nature of the traffic and local weather conditions, for example.

We found that the most heat-polluting elements are generally high traffic volumes – and which kind of vehicles predominate in these traffic jams. Conventional petrol and diesel vehicles release substantially more waste heat than electric vehicles. In cities with lots of these vehicles, peak-period rush hours can become important sources of heat emissions.

We modelled traffic in two European cities – the central Capitole area of Toulouse and central Manchester – using traffic data provided by Transport for Greater Manchester and other open datasets.

Toulouse and Manchester have quite different climates, urban landscapes and traffic patterns – all of which affect not only how much heat is released by traffic, but how that heat affects each city.

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In Toulouse, morning traffic heat built up through the day and persisted into the night. In contrast, Manchester’s evening rush hour contributed to stronger overnight warming, with its air temperature from traffic peaking around 3am, on average.

In both cities, the traffic-related warming effect was stronger in winter than summer. In Toulouse, our modelling found it raised air temperature by an average of 0.5°C in winter and 0.3°C in summer, while in Manchester the increase was 0.35°C in winter and 0.16°C in summer.

The role of traffic in urban heating

Awareness of urban heat risk is increasing, but the role played by traffic is still rarely considered in urban climate adaptation and transport planning.

As cities continue to grow and climate extremes become more common, governments need better tools to understand where urban heat comes from and how it can be reduced. Our work is another step towards more realistic simulations of future cities.

Our model could offer more accurate answers to important questions such as: how much will electrification of vehicles reduce heat levels? How will changes in road design, vehicle use and congestion patterns affect local heat exposure? And to what extent can changes in urban transport methods limit the effects of predicted future heatwaves?

These are, of course, not just scientific questions but policy and design issues. Concerns around cities getting hotter often focus on trees, parks, cool roofs and building design. But traffic is not just a source of pollution and carbon emissions – it can also be part of how we plan cooler, healthier and more resilient cities.

Cats are naturally drawn to soft soil and secluded spots when seeking a place to toilet, which can lead to persistent garden fouling disputes between neighbours

Discovering cat poo in the garden is enough to test the patience of even the most patient homeowner, particularly when it turns into an ongoing nuisance. Yet while many assume there’s precious little they can lawfully do to deter these wandering animals from visiting, there are in fact numerous solutions at hand.

According to Cats Protection, cats instinctively roam outside their owners’ properties and are legally permitted to venture into neighbouring gardens across the UK.

Nevertheless, the charity confirms that householders can still employ safe and humane methods to prevent cats from using outdoor areas as makeshift litter trays. The Express has compiled several recommendations.

1. Citrus peel

Cats are renowned for their aversion to potent scents, making orange and lemon peel a favoured natural repellent. Gardening specialists suggest positioning peel close to flowerbeds or garden boundaries may help discourage return visits.

2. Motion-activated sprinklers

According to the RSPCA, unexpected jets of water can safely put off cats from entering gardens without causing them harm. Motion-activated sprinklers are frequently employed to deter wildlife and stray pets.

3. Cover exposed soil

Cats typically favour soft earth when digging or relieving themselves. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends using gravel, stones or bark to make flowerbeds less attractive as toileting spots.

4. Chicken wire

Some gardeners position chicken wire flat across flowerbeds to prevent cats from excavating the soil. Plants can still emerge through the openings while making the surface uncomfortable for animals to traverse.

5. Ultrasonic deterrents

Ultrasonic devices produce high-frequency sounds intended to discourage cats from particular areas. These products can be found readily in garden centres and DIY retailers throughout the UK.

6. No food zone

Cats Protection caution that leftover pet food, bird seed and overflowing bins can draw cats into gardens. Properly securing rubbish and feeding areas may help minimise repeated visits.

7. Prickly shrubs

The RHS suggests dense or thorny plants can deter cats from entering flowerbeds or digging around plants. Shrubs including holly or other spiky varieties are frequently recommended.

8. Cat-proof fencing

ProtectaPet reports specially designed fencing rollers and barriers are growing in popularity amongst homeowners dealing with persistent feline visitors. These systems are designed to prevent cats climbing over fences while keeping them safe from harm.

9. Open dialogue

Consumer experts typically advise discussing the matter diplomatically if a particular cat is causing ongoing problems. While owners aren’t normally legally liable simply for cats wandering, constructive conversations can sometimes help ease tensions.

Online debates reveal how divisive garden fouling disputes can become, particularly during warmer months when families spend increased time outdoors. Nevertheless, animal welfare organisations consistently emphasise that any deterrents employed should remain humane and avoid causing harm to cats.

Fire crews were called to the hospital shortly before lunchtime following reports of a strike, which left four people with suspected electric shocks and another trapped in a lift.

The incident also caused electrical issues across the hospital site.

After The Bolton News shared details of the incident, readers were quick to comment on the freak weather event.

One reader described the experience from the hospital car park.

They said: “I was stood at the parking ticket machine on the car park opposite the main doors.

“Never saw any lightning, but the colossal bang made me, and folk near me, think there had been an explosion in the hospital.

“Then we got drenched. I’m nearing my 90s and don’t think I have ever heard such bad thunder.”

Many described fearing there had been an explosion at the hospital, with some worrying the building was “collapsing”.

Another person inside the hospital said: “I was there visiting my uncle, the lightning seemed to come straight through the window first, then this almighty bang.

“I have never heard thunder so loud in all my life – I must admit I was frightened.”

A resident from Farnworth added: “I was walking the dog close by, everything was eerily ‘still’ immediately after.”

One reader who had been attending an appointment at the hospital when the strike happened said: “We were in a room with no windows, and knew nothing until we came out.

“The good news was, the car park ticket machines weren’t working as there was no electric, so we didn’t have to pay.”

It was not only those in Farnworth who experienced the unusual weather, as readers in Harwood and Bradshaw also reported hearing “one hell of a bang”.

Shortly after the incident, Rae Wheatcroft, chief operating officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, told The Bolton News: “We can confirm that earlier today a lightning strike at Royal Bolton Hospital caused some electrical issues across the site.

“These have now been largely resolved, with the exception of some communication equipment, for which backup systems are in place.

“A small number of staff affected by the incident are being assessed as a precaution.”

After the incident, the sun returned and conditions appeared calm once again.

Mary Kelly Foy, MP for the City of Durham, joined the winners of a competition aimed at raising awareness of the vital medical devices, which can restart a person’s heart in an emergency.

The competition was organised by Tom Sharples, a resident and organiser of the One Life campaign, and tasked primary school pupils with designing eye-catching defibrillator covers to promote visibility and community awareness.

Winning designs came from Skye at Brandon Primary Academy and Matilda at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Langley Moor.

Ms Foy said: “I am so incredibly proud of Skye and Matilda for their wonderful designs.

“Defibrillators are absolutely vital pieces of kit that save lives in our communities every single day, but they need to be highly visible so people can find them in an emergency.

“Their bright and bold designs will certainly make sure that these two units will stand out from the crowd, and of course, in Brandon, we now have two totally unique defibrillators.”

Ms Foy congratulated the winners during a visit on Friday, May 15, joined by school staff, Mr Sharples, and the One Life campaign mascots, Casey and Sparky.

Mary Kelly Foy MP with local residents, the team from the Lord Boyne pub, Casey, Sparky and children from St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School (Image: Office of Mary Kelly Foy MP)

The two decorated defibrillators are now installed at the Beech Park Convenience Store in Brandon and the Lord Boyne pub in Langley Moor.

They form part of a network of 13 defibrillators installed across the Brandon area through the efforts of the One Life campaign.

Mr Sharples said: “Engaging young people in their communities at an early age is one of the most powerful ways to foster pride, responsibility, and a lasting sense of belonging.

“The aim of this design competition goes beyond raising awareness of these life-saving devices; it is about giving children a sense of ownership and pride in the places where they live.

“I’m so pleased for both Skye and Matilda that their designs are now proudly displayed in our community.”

Ms Foy also thanked the hosts of the defibrillator units, as well as everyone involved in the competition and wider campaign.

It’s not always the big cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh that offer the best breaks closer to home, as a walkable city has been highlighted as one of the best places to visit

The best staycation in Scotland has been named, and it’s not where you might think.

The UK, including Scotland, is gearing up for some balmy weather, with warm rays set to arrive in perfect time for the upcoming bank holiday weekend. And with warmer temperatures finally on the horizon, it might just be the perfect time to book that staycation, as Brits opt for a getaway closer to home.

Data from Airbnb revealed that British holidaymakers have shown a greater interest in staycations, with a year-on-year increase of more than 11 per cent. The rental platform also found that those seeking a staycation are looking for “metro-fringe destinations”, as UK travellers opt for cheaper alternatives in smaller cities or areas on the outskirts.

READ MORE: Travel rule all UK tourists should follow to avoid delays at airport securityREAD MORE: Scotland set for Bank Holiday scorcher as temperatures to hit 20C five days in a row

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Not only does it allow travellers to still explore a bustling city, but it also lets them stay in a slightly quieter destination that typically offers cheaper accommodation. There are plenty of destinations across Scotland that offer a blend of rural and city escape, but one has been highlighted by Airbnb as it soars in popularity.

The charming city of Stirling, which is often known as the ‘gateway to the Highlands’ and a ‘little Edinburgh’, has seen a staggering 79 per cent increase in searches for the summer of 2026. Situated in central Scotland, nestled on the River Forth, Stirling is steeped in history, with its iconic landmarks and access to some of Scotland’s most scenic landscapes.

Known as a walkable city, there are some impressive attractions to explore, including the famed Stirling Castle, a clifftop fortress offering views across the city, which was the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots. There’s also the National Wallace Monument with around 246 steps to access sweeping views over the Forth Valley, and the Battle of Bannockburn for a look back at the past.

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With ample green space surrounding the city, there’s an array of walking trails to take advantage of during the warmer weather, with Stirling expected to reach highs of 20C from Friday, 22 May to Saturday. Or if you’re looking for a weekend escape later in the year, why not plan to walk around the stunning landscapes of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, just a short drive from the centre.

While it’s considerably smaller than the likes of Glasgow or Edinburgh, Stirling still offers an array of eateries and shops to browse if the weather turns. There’s also the Old Town charatised by cobbled streets, charming cafés and the former jail, which will feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

Top 5 UK escapes on the fringe of a city

1. Richmond upon Thames, London (+140% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)
2. Milton Keynes (+96% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)
3. Stirling, Scotland (+79% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)
4. Harrow (+78% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)
5. Stretford (+77% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)

Top 5 UK rural destinations

1. Herefordshire (+76% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)
2. Staffordshire (+50% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)
3. Worcestershire (+48% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)
4. Forest of Dean District (+34% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)
5. Shropshire (+32% increase in YoY searches for summer 2026)

Lisa Marçais, general manager for Northern Europe and MEA, Airbnb, said: “This summer, UK travellers are rethinking how and where they travel – embracing emerging destinations both at home and abroad. From off the beaten path UK towns like Halton to rising European destinations like Novalja in Croatia, people are searching beyond the usual favourites to find better value for money, more space and a slower pace for some real rest and relaxation.

“At the same time, the growth in group travel shows Brits are getting savvy – taking advantage of the variety of Airbnbs available for big bookings to find ways to travel more, and travel better, by sharing costs and making the most of their summer breaks.”

For more information or to book accommodation for your next staycation, visit the Airbnb website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

He is the group’s leader in the area

Police are investigating an allegation over ‘false statements’ regarding paperwork for a newly elected Reform councillor. The candidate papers for the newly elected councillor are being investigated over alleged false statements in the recent local elections.

Cambridgeshire Police is investigating alleged false statements on the candidate nomination paper for Ryan Coogan, who has recently been elected as the Reform group leader for his area.

Mr Coogan was elected to the Ramsey ward in the Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) local elections on May 8. He was also the party’s candidate for the 2025 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayoral election where he finished second.

Cambridgeshire Police has confirmed an investigation has been launched. A police spokesperson said: “We are investigating an allegation of false statements on a candidate nomination paper and the investigation is on-going. This relates to Ryan Coogan and May’s HDC elections.”

The council says it is aware of the investigation. A HDC spokesperson said it is “aware of a police referral” in relation to the recent elections. The spokesperson added: “As this matter is a live investigation, it would not be appropriate for the council or the Returning Officer to comment further at this stage.”

Reform UK and Ryan Coogan have been approached for comment.

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