WASHINGTON (AP) — Fresh on the heels of Abdul El-Sayed’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary win in Michigan, Wisconsin voters will decide another high-profile clash between the party’s establishment and progressive wings in a gubernatorial primary on Tuesday.

Like Michigan, Wisconsin is one of the nation’s top electoral battlegrounds. The contest may further set the direction of the Democratic Party, as well as set the stage for a highly competitive general election where either party could emerge with complete control over state government. A competitive congressional race could also decide the majority in the closely divided U.S. House.

Four active candidates remain in the once-crowded Democratic primary field to succeed outgoing two-term Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. State Rep. Francesca Hong, a former restaurant owner and democratic socialist who entered the race in 2025 as a self-described “wild card,” has emerged as a top contender for the nomination. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley briefly dropped out of the race in July but reentered with an endorsement from Evers. Former state cabinet secretary Joel Brennan and state Sen. Kelda Roys round out the field.

Campaign finance woes prompted Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez to exit the race, while former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes suspended his bid the same day the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that state Democratic officials had reviewed past allegations against him of inappropriate behavior toward young adult women. The Barnes campaign denied that there were any such allegations. The names of Rodriguez, Barnes and former state economic development director Missy Hughes, who dropped out in June, remain on the ballot.

The winner of the primary will likely face Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who faces minimal opposition for his party’s nomination. Tiffany, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, sits atop a massive war chest that not only dwarfs that of his sole primary opponent but the entire Democratic field combined. As of July 27, he had raised $13.3 million for his campaign overall and had about $5 million in the bank. Hong and Crowley had each raised slightly more than $1 million for their campaigns and had less than $500,000 in their respective campaign coffers.

Evers is Wisconsin’s third consecutive two-term governor. The race to replace him will set two longstanding political trends on a collision course. The state has a 64-year streak of electing new governors from the opposite party of their immediate predecessor. That would seemingly favor Wisconsin Republicans in November, although voters nationwide tend to punish the president’s party in midterm elections, which would favor Democrats.

About half of Wisconsin’s 33 state Senate seats and all 99 state Assembly seats are up in 2026. Republicans hold slight majorities in both chambers. For years, Wisconsin’s state legislative boundaries had been heavily gerrymandered to favor Republicans, but the liberal-leaning state Supreme Court struck down the maps in 2023 and ordered them redrawn ahead of the 2024 elections. State Democrats made gains that year and now believe they could flip control of one or both chambers in November.

Wisconsin’s congressional districts remain among the most tilted toward Republicans nationally, according to an Associated Press analysis. Republicans hold six of the state’s eight U.S. House seats. One Republican-held district is a top target of Democrats hoping to retake the chamber.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden of the 3rd Congressional District is unopposed for the Republican nomination in his bid for a third term. He has Trump’s endorsement. Former Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge and former boutique owner and nonprofit founder Rebecca Cooke are vying for the Democratic nomination. Cooke ran for the seat twice before. She placed second in the 2022 primary and narrowly lost the 2024 general election to Van Orden.

Milwaukee County is by far the state’s most populous and plays a pivotal role in both Democratic and Republican primaries. However, Waukesha County tends to contribute the most votes in Republican primaries. Dane and Brown counties, home to Madison and Green Bay, respectively, are major battlegrounds for both parties. Ozaukee and Washington counties, which along with Waukesha County, form the so-called “WOW” counties in suburban Milwaukee, tend to be more influential in Republican primaries than in Democratic primaries.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont trounced former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Wisconsin presidential primary. Sanders scored big wins in Dane, Brown, Outagamie, Winnebago, Kenosha, LaCrosse and Eau Claire counties, approaching or surpassing the 60% vote mark in each. Clinton carried only Milwaukee County, which has the state’s highest share of Black residents.

Former President Joe Biden carried every county against Sanders in the 2020 presidential primary, which was held in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanders’ strongest performance was in Dane County.

Here are some of the key facts about the election and data points the AP Decision Team will monitor as the votes are tallied:

When do polls close?

Polls close at 8 p.m. CT, which is 9 p.m. ET.

What’s on the ballot?

The AP will provide vote results and declare winners in contested primaries for U.S. House, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, state Senate and state Assembly.

Who gets to vote?

Any registered voter may participate in any party’s primary. Eligible voters may register at the polls on Election Day.

How many voters are there?

As of August 1, there were about 3.6 million active registered voters in Wisconsin.

How many people actually vote?

Around 500,000 voters cast ballots in the Democratic state primaries in 2022, compared to roughly 680,000 Republican primary voters.

How much of the vote is cast early or by absentee ballot?

About 26% of the vote in the 2022 primaries was cast before early in-person or by mail.

As of Friday, about 235,000 ballots had already been cast in Tuesday’s election.

When are early and absentee votes released?

Counties vary in terms of how and when they release early and absentee results. In previous elections, counties tended to release a mix of all vote types over the course of the night. Roughly a third of counties released all results, regardless of vote type, in the first vote update.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the 2024 state primary, the AP first reported results at 9:09 p.m. ET, or nine minutes after polls closed. About 91% of the vote had been counted by 12 a.m. ET. The last vote update of the night was at 2:59 a.m. ET with 99.8% of total votes counted.

Milwaukee County, the most populous, had counted more than 99% of the vote by its final update of the night at 1:06 a.m. ET. Dane County, home of Madison, reached more than 99% of the total vote by its final update of the night at 12:38 a.m. ET.

When will the AP declare a winner?

The AP does not make projections and will declare a winner only when it’s determined there is no scenario that would allow a trailing candidate to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.

How do recounts work?

Recounts are not automatic in Wisconsin, but a trailing candidate may request one if the winning vote margin is less than a percentage point in races where more than 4,000 votes are cast. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Are we there yet?

As of Tuesday, there will be 84 days until the 2026 midterm elections.

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Associated Press writer David Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report.

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Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.

Small gardens can still look beautiful and become an area you love spending time in by using a few tricks.

The gardening expert and TV personality, Alan Titchmarsh, has revealed a simple way to make your garden look bigger.

All you need to do is grab some paint to redecorate your fence to help create the illusion of a larger space.

Certain colours will make the plants stand out. (Image: Getty)

How to make a small garden look bigger

In a video, Alan shared how using a light colour to paint your fence will make it seem like your garden is bigger.

Painting your fence can also make sure it lasts longer to prevent it from rotting and becoming damaged.

He said: “Using paint in the garden is a great way to add colour and to show off your plants.

“The first place to start to use paint in the garden is with walls and fences.

“Whatever kind of timber fence you have, paint or preservative is essential to promote its longevity.

“If you have a medium-size garden, painting your fences a light colour gives the impression that your garden’s bigger.

“The eye is drawn from the boundaries to the plants and features that contrast with it.”

Nowadays, you can get paint for your fence in a huge range of colours that can add some decoration to your garden.

The best option is to paint your garden fence a light or medium grey colour to help your plants stand out more.

If you want to hide your fence, you can use a dark grey or black to make it disappear behind trees and shrubs.

He also recommends painting new walls if you have any in your garden using a light and neutral colour.

If you have old-fashioned brick walls, he said to avoid painting them, as they can make a great backdrop for plants.

You could also add a trellis to walks so plants can grow up them rather than painting it.

Will you be using this tip to make your garden look bigger? Let us know in the comments.

The Postern Gate in Piccadilly, York, has shut today (Monday, August 10) with banners on the outside saying that it is closed for refurbishment.

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The pub, which has a patio backing on to the River Foss, takes its name from the medieval tower called Fishergate Postern – which was previously on the banks of the river – and is just around the corner from Fishergate Bar.

Banners outside The Postern Gate in Piccadilly (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

On a banner on the outside of the pub, people are signposted to their nearest Wetherspoons which are The Punch Bowl in Blossom Street, The Giant Bellflower in Selby, and The Angel Inn in Wetherby.

“Just some minor updates to the pub being undertaken,” said a spokesperson for Wetherspoons.

The Postern Gate is set to reopen on Saturday (August 15) – in time for the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse next Wednesday (August 19).

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — A powerful earthquake in western Colombia on Monday shook the South American nation and neighboring Ecuador, prompting people to evacuate homes and buildings.

The United States Geological Survey and Colombia’s counterpart both reported a 7.4 magnitude, while relatively deep. Both reported the epicenter in San Jose Del Palmar, a community about 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Colombia’s capital, Bogota.

Authorities did not immediately report damages or injuries.

The temblor follows two back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes in Venezuela in late June. Those earthquakes destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed more than 5,000 people.

Mourners have gathered for the funeral of a British illegal immigrant allegedly part of an international crime organisation when he was shot dead in the US.

Irish traveller Salis Hanrahan, 20, was shot in Roxborough, Philadelphia on July 8 as construction workers installed siding on a home. 

An argument erupted inside the home before Mr Hanrahan left and collapsed on the street with a gunshot wound to his chest, witnesses claim. 

The homeowner, George Barr, 75, was arrested by police and charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime and recklessly endangering another person.

Local reports suggest he was shot after trying to charge the retired firefighter £51,800 for repairs on the £190,000 property. 

The US Department of Homeland Security believe Mr Hanrahan was involved in money laundering and fraud schemes while working illegally as a contractor at the time of his death. 

Monday kicks off a two-day memorial service in Hayes, west London, for the Essex local. 

The high street was brought to a standstill by a fleet of silver Rolls Royces and Lamborghini super cars while family carried Mr Hanrahan’s body down a residential road.

Mr Hanrahan’s remains were flown back to the UK accompanied by his mother, a brother and his sister Lisa Marie, last month. 

A fleet of silver Rolls Royce’s and Lamborghini super cars brought the high street to a standstill in Hayes

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Hanrahan appears to have wed his wife Roseann just months before his death, and the couple shared a one-year-old daughter together. They are pictured here together

Today’s service began at 12pm with mass at St Mary’s Hayes Town followed by a 2pm burial in West Drayton Cemetery.

A large silver hearse was pictured making its way down a street while friends and family watched on. 

The Briton had entered the US illegally after being denied a visa because government officials determined that he was affiliated with the ‘The Travelling Conman Fraud Group’.

Members of the organised crime gang, as it has been designated by the FBI, are known for overcharging victims for building work which they have failed to complete.

Mr Hanrahan collapsed on a pavement outside Mr Barr’s home in the Roxborough neighbourhood of Philadelphia – and later died in hospital from a gunshot wound to his chest.

The traveller’s body was later repatriated back to London.

Footage last month showed plumes of red and white smoke billowing into the sky after flares were let off on a busy road as dozens gathered to celebrate what would have been his 21st birthday.

Mourners parked their vehicles across the street causing grid-locked traffic, and cars could be heard tooting their horns as crowds set up pictures of Mr Hanrahan on the pavement.

One showed a photo of the 20-year-old posing with his thumbs up, with golden messages surrounding his image reading: ‘Happy 21st birthday Salis Hanrahan’.

A large silver hearse was also pictured making its way down a street while friends and family watched on

Today’s service began at 12pm with miss at St Mary’s Hayes Town followed by a 2pm burial in West Drayton Cemetery. A tribute is pictured

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A fleet of supercars lined the west London roads as onlookers watched on. Dozens of friends and family members have turned out for the occasion

One man carries a floral tribute made up of red roses for Mr Hanrahan while another attendee carries a framed photo

Funeralgoers gather outside the hearse as Mr Hanrahan’s body is taken through the streets of west London

A motorcylist drives past the hearse in Hayes. Traffic was brought to a standstill due to the procession

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Mr Barr, Mr Hanrahan’s alleged killer, has been charged with murder, possession of an instrument of crime and recklessly endangering another person.

He has not yet entered a plea and is being held at a Pennsylvania prison after being remanded into custody.

Mr Hanrahan appears to have wed his wife Roseann just months before his death, and the couple shared a one-year-old daughter together. Roseann posted on social media after his passing: ‘My beautiful husband. I love you so much.’

US police previously said contractors were fitting sliding doors on Mr Barr’s home shortly after 2pm on July 8 when gunfire was heard.

Philadelphia police Captain James Kimrey told reporters: ‘They heard arguments or some kind of commotion inside and then they found the boss outside.’

Local outlet KYW said that the victim had been ‘asking for more money’ every day prior to his death.

Mr Hanrahan was ‘an illegal alien from the United Kingdom’, the US Department of Homeland Security said, and entered the country without a work permit.

A spokesman said: ‘He entered the country illegally on an unknown date and location and was denied Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) as he was determined to have affiliation with ‘The Traveling Conman Fraud Group’, a transnational criminal organization’.

Salis Hanrahan who was shot dead by US Veteran firefighter after he charged him for thousands of pounds more work

Mr Hanrahan is seen here on his wedding day

The victim’s family hit out at his alleged killer in the days after he was killed, describing Mr Barr as ‘evil’ and ‘scum’.

A relative called Paddy Hanrahan posted a news story about the incident on Facebook, writing: ‘Please look at the evil in he’s [sic] face. He couldn’t even give a reason why he done it. He cold-bloodedly killed him for nothing.’

Friend Martina McCarthy responded: ‘I said the same u can see the evil behind his eyes rip salis [sic].’

Another friend, Michelle Bas, wrote: ‘He needs to rot in jail!!!’

Mr Hanrahan’s sister Lisa-Marie posted a picture of Mr Barr and wrote: ‘The scum that took my baby brother lord pls why us.’

Others, however, were quick to show their support for the 75-year-old.

One local woman wrote: ‘Free George Barr, NOW! He is a retired Philadelphia Firefighter and a hero from [the] Vietnam War.’

Another woman posted: ‘I have known George for a very long time. Frankly, I can’t believe this. Always been so kind to me and my daughters.’

There is an imagination gap being driven by tablets, phones and TV screens

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Children are losing the habit of imaginative play before they even reach double digits, according to new research by Playmobil. A study of children aged four to nine found that 43% of parents believe children stop using their imagination before the age of 10, and some say it happens as young as six.

Children say they will be too old for pretend play at an average age of 9.76. Children are now more than twice as likely to reach for a screen when they’re bored as they are to make up a game, story or pretend world, with 28% saying they ask for or use a screen compared with just 12% who turn to imaginative play.

For many children, the challenge lies in knowing where to begin and where to take the story next. Playmobil calls this the Imagination Gap andl is helping families with free Art of Storytelling prompt cards, developed with children’s presenter Maddie Moate and child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer. The cards turn everyday boredom into stories, mysteries and adventures – giving children a spark to begin, then the freedom to lead the play themselves.

Dr Gummer said: “This research does not suggest that children have lost their imaginations. In fact, most children say they still make up games, stories or pretend worlds at least sometimes. The difficulty is that when boredom first appears, a screen is often the quickest and most familiar option, so children may have fewer chances to practise getting a story started for themselves.

“Imaginative play gives children room to experiment with ideas, language, roles and problems in a world they control. Boredom can provide the pause from which that begins, although some children will need a little support to cross that first hurdle.

“Parents do not need to ban screens or invent elaborate activities. A simple question, unusual prop or story prompt can be enough. Join in for a moment, then let the child decide what happens next. That small handover gives confidence, agency and imagination space to grow.”

Maddie Moate said: “As someone who creates educational TV and online content for children and families, I appreciate the role screens have in our lives. But our most memorable moments happen away from them, when little ones are exploring, interacting and creating for themselves. Often, all it takes is a simple idea or prompt to unlock hours of imaginative play. Anything that helps families get started with playtime is a win in my book, especially at a time when so many parents are already balancing so much.”

Mitch Levene, Country Manager, at Playmobil, said: “Families will use these prompt cards alongside both new and much-loved Playmobil sets discovering just how much adventure can begin with a single idea.”

Playmobil’s free Art of Storytelling prompt cards are available via www.playmobilartofstorytelling.com and in participating stores.

But why is this happening?

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The family holiday has been left in doubt after she discovered her daughter’s passport did not meet strict travel rules

A singer has issued a plea for help after discovering at the last minute that her daughter’s passport could fail strict travel rules. Rules mean there must be a set amount of time available on a passport or the holder will not be allowed to travel.

Under rules following Brexit people travelling to EU countries, except Ireland, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City must have at least three months left on their passports after the day they plan to leave, warns ABTA. The passport must also have been issued less than 10 years before the date of arrival at the country.

Musician and singer Philippa Hanna turned to Facebook to seek advice after her family holiday to Portugal appeared to be in jeopardy. The Christian music star who has toured with mainstream artists including Lionel Richie, Leona Lewis, Anastacia and Wet Wet Wet, told how she had just discovered that her daughter, Ozma’s, passport would not meet these rules.

She said: “GUYS!! We need help. Do I know ANYONE who works for or is connected to the passport office or something even close? We need emergency advice ahead of our family holiday tomorrow?”

She later went on to explain: “I just found out Ozma has 5 weeks less than needed on her passport for flying to Portugal.” She then added: “We’re only going for 5 days so the week fast track wont work. I’m just wondering if there’s any way of getting an extension or a special permission or something.”

One follower suggested she contact her MP who might be able to speed up getting a new passport. Gayle Hunter, who said she was a former duty manager at an airline, said: “They’re normally strict at least 3 months after the last day you’re leaving on passport. An MP can get you a new one in three hours under parliamentary privilege.”

However this was disputed by another poster who said he worked in the airline industry and travelled extensively. John Dinsdale said he had been stung by the rule himself, and insisted an MP would be unlikely to help. He said: “There is a parliamentary/MP escalation route, but it only applies for compassionate reasons (family death, serious illness) not for holiday travel, so it won’t help here.

“You could try contacting the airline to ask if they’ll allow “OK to board,” but I doubt that’s your best option. Even if they agreed, Schengen countries require a minimum of 90 days’ passport validity, so Portugal border control could still refuse entry on arrival.

“For an airline to allow to board they would need authorisation from the Portuguese immigration department first. If you’re refused entry, the airline will face a fine (amounts vary by country), and you’d likely be liable for the cost of the return flight, airlines won’t board anyone without valid travel documents in the first place.

“I’ve actually been on the receiving end of this myself, I can’t get an ESTA for the US because of my travel history, apparently America don’t like Iraqi stamps in passports, so I know firsthand how strict airlines are about not boarding anyone without the right documents. It’s not something they’ll bend on.

“Realistically, a new passport won’t be issued in time even by fast track. I’d contact your travel insurer now to ask about cancellation/rebooking cover, I know this is not what you want to hear, but it’s the most likely outcome.”

What the government says

So what are the rules? According to the government there are steps you can take – but it usually still takes some time.

It advises: “You can pay to get a passport urgently if you think the standard service will take too long.” It explains there are 2 ways to apply for an urgent passport.

1 day premium

According to the government website the earliest you can get an appointment is 2 days after you apply. It says: “You’ll need to hand in your old passport at your appointment. Your new passport will be ready to collect from the passport office 4 hours after your appointment.

“You can only use this service to renew an adult passport. It costs £239.50 (or £253.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).”

1 week fast track

With this one the earliest you can get an appointment is the next day after you apply. It advises: “Your new passport will be delivered to you by courier 1 week after your appointment.”

You can use this service to:

• renew a passport
• change personal details on your passport (for example your name, place of birth or gender)
• replace a lost, stolen or damaged passport
• get a child passport

It costs £192 for an adult passport (or £206 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport). A child passport is £156.50 (or £170.50 for a 54-page frequent traveller passport).

Is there anything any faster?

It advises: “If you need to travel urgently for medical treatment, on government business, or because a friend or family member is seriously ill or has died, call the Passport Adviceline instead.”

Police are looking for a man who they believe can assist them with an investigation after a man died following violent disorder in Pontypool.

A murder investigation was launched in the days following the incident as a man, named as Anthony “Tony” Jones, 56, died from injuries sustained in the violence. Mr Jones was sent to hospital with life-threatening injuries alongside two other men after the incident, which is alleged to have occurred at around 7pm in Mill Street, Pontnewynydd.

Ten men, aged 31, 33, 34, 39, 40, 40, 45, 59, 61 and 73, were arrested in connection with the disorder. Three men – aged 39, 45 and 61 – have since been released on bail. The other seven men remain in police custody. Read on

The Met Office has issued amber heat health alerts for most of England as temperatures are forecast to soar into the mid-30Cs again this week

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Cambridgeshire is bracing for yet another blast of scorching weather, with amber heat alerts slapped across most of England as temperatures are set to rocket into the mid‐30Cs this week.

The fresh warnings come as even more parts of the country are on the brink of being plunged into drought during what has become an extreme, relentless summer.

Regions including the East Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, London, the North West, South East, South West and West Midlands will be under amber alert from 9am Tuesday until 9pm Friday, while the North East has been hit with a yellow warning.

The Met Office says Monday’s cooler conditions won’t last, with the mercury expected to soar and hit its highest point on Thursday. An 18 year old died after getting into difficulty in the sea at Camber Sands beach, East Sussex on Sunday, bringing the number of deaths in open-water incidents over the hot, dry summer to more than 40, according to Press Association estimates.

Although some rainfall is possible this weekend, including across the south – certain parts of which have gone weeks without any precipitation – forecasters caution that it will fall well short of compensating for the deficit accumulated over recent weeks and months.

The National Drought Group, comprising government and agency officials, water companies and farming leaders, is convening again on Monday, with additional areas of England widely anticipated to be formally declared in drought. Half of England and the entirety of Wales are already experiencing drought conditions, with 23 million customers subject to hosepipe bans as rivers and reservoirs reach critically low levels.

Farmers have warned of a “brutal harvest” for crops and a shortage of feed for livestock. Significant wildfires have broken out across areas including the Pennines, the Cairngorms in Scotland, Llanwonno in the Rhondda Valleys, South Wales, and Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, with firefighters battling hundreds of blazes across the country.

This summer’s exceptionally dry conditions have coincided with several heatwaves, including record-breaking temperatures for the time of year in May and June, which contributed to more than 2,800 excess deaths.

Britain is increasingly feeling the effects of ever more extreme weather events, such as drought, heatwaves and wildfires, driven by climate change, which is predominantly caused by the burning of fossil fuels in power stations, vehicles, and for domestic and industrial heating.

Certain parts of the UK are now bracing themselves for a fifth heatwave of the summer, though some areas, such as Exeter, have seen temperatures remain persistently above regional heatwave thresholds even between the peaks of intense heat.

As amber heat health alerts were issued, Polly Ashmore, acting consultant in public health at the UK Health Security Agency, urged members of the public to take straightforward precautions to stay safe and to check in on vulnerable friends and family members. She said: “Drinking plenty of water, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeping indoor spaces cool are all things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.

“For vulnerable groups including older adults and those with existing health conditions, warmer weather can result in serious health outcomes.

“We urge health and social care services to ensure they are prepared and encourage people to check on vulnerable friends and family to make sure everyone is aware of the forecast, follows the necessary advice and stays safe in this period of hot weather.”

However, the Met Office indicated it did not expect to issue its rarely-seen amber or red alerts for dangerous heat, as conditions would remain dry rather than humid — elevated humidity being a further aggravating factor to human health — unlike late June, when a red alert was triggered over several consecutive days.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge noted that, following cooler conditions on Monday, “the heat really comes back in for a time, and will peak on Thursday. We’re expecting values to be in the mid 30Cs, and possibly highest in the East.”

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The scorching temperatures will contribute to an already record-breaking number of days in 2026 that have reached 35C or above.

Though brief in duration, the heat is expected to be widespread, with elevated temperatures stretching as far north as Scotland — a region that has endured persistent heavy rainfall in recent days. As the weekend approaches, temperatures will drop sharply, with an area of low pressure potentially bringing rainfall to the south, according to Mr Madge.

However, he cautioned that it would not be sufficient to “make a dent” in the deficit recorded so far.

“It will be welcome for gardeners and for others, but we’re not going to get a lot of rain and not enough to make up for the shortfall we’ve had over the summer.”

Provisional statistics reveal that England and Wales have experienced their driest July since records began in 1836, with 19 counties across England recording no rainfall whatsoever throughout the entire month.

Southern England also registered its hottest July on record, while Wales endured its joint hottest July on record. Meanwhile, Met Office figures confirm that both the UK and England recorded their second hottest July ever.