hello, i m nancy kacungira. welcome to bbc news now — three hours of fast—moving news, interviews and reaction. unprecedented high temperatures are being reported across the world, breaking records on multiple continents. in the united states, the temperature in death valley, arizona, was still at 49 degrees celsius at midnight on monday. meanwhile, torrential rains have inundated parts of japan, china and south korea. in europe, temperatures in the central mediterranean region are expected to peak today. these are live pictures that we are looking at. this is north of athens where there are wildfires raging. it's so hot in italy that 20 cities are on the red list, which means people are facing a very high health risk, due to the intense heat. and on the island of sardinia, it is expected to reach a record 46 degrees celsius later today.

and in the swiss alps, it's been burning in the oht—valay area near the italian border since monday evening. joining me live now from across europe, chris bockman in the south of france, imogen foulkes in geneva, and our correspondent guy de launeyjoins us from ljubljana. hello to you all. let's start with you, chris. just tell us what the situation is like where you are. i’m situation is like where you are. i'm in the city — situation is like where you are. i'm in the city of _ situation is like where you are. i'm in the city of toulouse, and last year— in the city of toulouse, and last year it— in the city of toulouse, and last year it was_ in the city of toulouse, and last year it was the hottest region in france — year it was the hottest region in france and _ year it was the hottest region in france and temperatures are often above _ france and temperatures are often above 44 _ france and temperatures are often above 44 weeks on end. it is the hottest _ above 44 weeks on end. it is the hottest city — above 44 weeks on end. it is the hottest city in france today. it has not been — hottest city in france today. it has not been that bad so far this year, but the _ not been that bad so far this year, but the problem is with extreme weather— but the problem is with extreme weather on a regular basis down here weather on a regular basis down here we are _ weather on a regular basis down here we are looking at above 40 from the end of— we are looking at above 40 from the end of may— we are looking at above 40 from the end of may through to the end of september and end of may through to the end of septemberand on top end of may through to the end of september and on top of that we have drought—

september and on top of that we have drought conditions. the amount of rain we _ drought conditions. the amount of rain we are — drought conditions. the amount of rain we are getting is down 60%. so, there _ rain we are getting is down 60%. so, there is_ rain we are getting is down 60%. so, there is a _ rain we are getting is down 60%. so, there is a struggle between the farmers. — there is a struggle between the farmers, because this is a fruit growing — farmers, because this is a fruit growing area of france, and the tourism — growing area of france, and the tourism industry as to who gets the scarce _ tourism industry as to who gets the scarce resource of water. with climate — scarce resource of water. with climate change it is raining, but not here, — climate change it is raining, but not here, in— climate change it is raining, but not here, in the sea and so there is a real— not here, in the sea and so there is a real struggle. with the heatwaves continuing — a real struggle. with the heatwaves continuing each year and getting worse. _ continuing each year and getting worse, there is a lot to worry about — worse, there is a lot to worry about. , . , ., , about. the pictures next to chris are life, about. the pictures next to chris are life. that _ about. the pictures next to chris are life, that is _ about. the pictures next to chris are life, that is from _ about. the pictures next to chris are life, that is from the - about. the pictures next to chris are life, that is from the north . about. the pictures next to chris| are life, that is from the north of athens where fires are being fought as this intense heat continues to spread across europe. thank you for that report from the south of france. imogen is in geneva. swiss police have been ordering evacuation of several mountain villages. that’s of several mountain villages. that's ri . ht. fire of several mountain villages. that's right. fire broke _ of several mountain villages. that's right. fire broke out— of several mountain villages. that's right. fire broke out in _ of several mountain villages. that's right. fire broke out in southern - right. fire broke out in southern switzerland, and not too far the same region the famous matterhorn, and it spread explosively overnight and it spread explosively overnight

and firefighters said it was quite high up so quite hard for firefighting vehicles to get to it. they had helicopters overnight, but very high winds, lots of smoke which made it really, really challenging. very risky for helicopter pilots. today, more helicopters, including from the swiss army. 100 firefighters, more in fact, being drafted in. about an hour ago, the authorities said it looks like it has come down a bit. the fire is not actually spreading any more, and you can probably see here, those high winds are forecast to start again this afternoon. 200 villages evacuated and no chance of them going home yet. as you can see, pretty hot and dry here after five weeks of really hot and dry weather. geneva had its highest temperature of this year just last week, geneva had its highest temperature of this yearjust last week, 36.5 degrees. so a lot to worry about

here, and particularly this afternoon in southern switzerland and whether that fire will start raging again. it and whether that fire will start raging again-— and whether that fire will start raging again. it is far from over. imouen, raging again. it is far from over. imogen, bringing _ raging again. it is far from over. imogen, bringing us— raging again. it is far from over. imogen, bringing us that - raging again. it is far from over. imogen, bringing us that report| raging again. it is far from over. - imogen, bringing us that report from geneva. the pictures to her right eye life pictures coming to us from near athens and we can see fires there as well. that's crossover now to our correspondent, and unusual temperatures where you are as well. yes. we are getting off a little bit easier— yes. we are getting off a little bit easier here in slovenia than other areas _ easier here in slovenia than other areas it— easier here in slovenia than other areas it is— easier here in slovenia than other areas. it is overcast at the moment, so a storm _ areas. it is overcast at the moment, so a storm will break. there has been _ so a storm will break. there has been a _ so a storm will break. there has been a red — so a storm will break. there has been a red weather alert for temperatures, and now a red weather alert for— temperatures, and now a red weather alert for storms which are expected and that— alert for storms which are expected and that will have the effect of cooling — and that will have the effect of cooling things down as well. but as we move _ cooling things down as well. but as we move down the balkan peninsula towards _ we move down the balkan peninsula towards athens, where you are seeing those _ towards athens, where you are seeing those pictures, we have got red

weather— those pictures, we have got red weather alert all the way down through— weather alert all the way down through the balkans, so in croatia, red alert— through the balkans, so in croatia, red alert for— through the balkans, so in croatia, red alert for places like dubrovnik and split, — red alert for places like dubrovnik and split, and images expected to reach _ and split, and images expected to reach 40 — and split, and images expected to reach 40 or over 40 celsius both today— reach 40 or over 40 celsius both today and — reach 40 or over 40 celsius both today and tomorrow. red weather aierts _ today and tomorrow. red weather alerts applying to the whole of the country _ alerts applying to the whole of the country in — alerts applying to the whole of the country in serbia, and likewise in bosnia _ country in serbia, and likewise in bosnia in— country in serbia, and likewise in bosnia. in north macedonia they have introduced _ bosnia. in north macedonia they have introduced special measures which are going — introduced special measures which are going to last for an entire week — are going to last for an entire week. basically, if you are vulnerable you don't have to go into work, _ vulnerable you don't have to go into work. and _ vulnerable you don't have to go into work, and this applies to anybody over the — work, and this applies to anybody over the age of 60, as well as pregnant— over the age of 60, as well as pregnant women. the government is calling _ pregnant women. the government is calling for— pregnant women. the government is calling for people who usually work outdoors _ calling for people who usually work outdoors like construction workers to make _ outdoors like construction workers to make sure they finish their work by iiam _ to make sure they finish their work by iiam so — to make sure they finish their work by 11am so that they are not exposed to these _ by 11am so that they are not exposed to these extremely high temperatures of 40 celsius and above. guy. _ of 40 celsius and above. guy, thank you. we also heard from imogen in geneva and chris in the south of france.

the heatwave in europe continues. as you can see on the screen, we are watching pictures from near athens, where fires continue to burn. this is an extreme situation and there are red alerts up and down the country as firefighters raced to try and control the situation, while people are being told to take measures to keep themselves safe in this extreme heat. we continue to keep an eye on that situation right across europe. so, what is behind what is going on? let's speak to claudio cassardo, a professor of meteorology at the university of torino in italy. thank you very much forjoining us. i think it is worth putting into perspective first of all, for some people sitting around the world, temperatures of 36 celsius or 40 celsius are not unusual, so is the point here not that the temperatures are high, but that they are unusually high for the places in which they are being experienced?

yes, exactly. good morning. actually, in italy we are experiencing temperatures which are already exceeding the 40 degrees record in the southern part of italy, and also in sicily. in sicily we actually have a maximum of 44 degrees. in sardinia, 40 degrees has been exceeded. even if it is not very unusual, anyway they can be recorded every summer and we are in an extreme situation. at the moment in north italy, temperatures are lower, so they exceeded 30 degrees, and in some cities they are

approaching 35 degrees. irate and in some cities they are approaching 35 degrees. we are seeinu approaching 35 degrees. we are seeing extreme _ approaching 35 degrees. we are seeing extreme weather- approaching 35 degrees. we are i seeing extreme weather conditions here. what sort of effect, long—term and short—term, are we likely to see as a result of this extreme weather? actually, i think that heat will accumulate day by day because the length of the night is still very short, so there is no time to release the heat accumulated during the daytime. that means that also within the house, if you have no air conditioning, the temperature will continue to rise and will remain high, even the next day and even when the heatwave will have finished. ., ., , ., finished. so, what does the weather that we are — finished. so, what does the weather that we are seeing _ finished. so, what does the weather that we are seeing now— finished. so, what does the weather that we are seeing now tell - finished. so, what does the weather that we are seeing now tell us - finished. so, what does the weather that we are seeing now tell us or. that we are seeing now tell us or teach us about what we need to do when it comes to tackling climate change? when it comes to tackling climate chance? n . ,

when it comes to tackling climate chance? a ., , ., , when it comes to tackling climate chance? n . , ., , ., change? actually, we need to try to avoid being — change? actually, we need to try to avoid being outside _ change? actually, we need to try to avoid being outside during - change? actually, we need to try to avoid being outside during the - avoid being outside during the hottest hours of the day and if possible, avoid doing physical activity during the hottest hours. we need to take some precautions. but anyway in italy, now even the hospitals have activated in order that if people have problems, the hospitals can recognise it and help immediately. there is a special number for immediately. there is a special numberfor this immediately. there is a special number for this situation to call. by, number for this situation to call. a reminder that we all have to adapt our behaviour to what we are experiencing. professor, thank you forjoining us from the university of torino in italy. we continue to watch these pictures, huge clouds of smoke. this is near athens, where there has been extremely hot

weather. there are alerts around the country, urging people to take care in the extremely hot weather and to not be outside unnecessarily, as we are hearing there from the professor. we continue to watch those pictures. you are watching bbc news. let's bring you some breaking news out of north korea. a us national is thought to be in north korean custody after crossing the inter—korean border during a tour without approval. that's according to the un command, who say the person was taking part in a tour to the joint security area, the border village in the demilitarised zone separating the two koreas, where soldiers from both sides stand guard.

that is the breaking news that we are hearing there. a us national likely to be in north korean custody after crossing the inter—korean border during a tour, without approval, according to the united nations command. the defence ministry in south korea said it did not immediately have any information on the incident, but it is believed that the national is currently in the custody of the democratic people's republic of korea. the us state department travel advisory bans us nationals from entering north korea and this is due to the continuing serious risk of arrest and long—term detention of us nationals, so this is quite an unusual situation and we will continue to update you as we get further details. let's take a look at some of the other news today.

figures released by a chinese provincial government have revealed a surge in cremations at the beginning of the year, suggesting the true scale of coronavirus deaths in china. cremations increase by 72% in china. cremations increase by 72% in one province in the first three months, compared to last year. eight us months, compared to last year. eight us nuclear capable submarine has docked in south korea for the first time in decades. the americans promised to send the submarine back in april to deal with the growing threat that is posed by north korea. north korea last week warned that such a move may lead to a nuclear conflict. the us climate envoyjohn kerry, and china �*stop diplomat have expressed optimism that climate cooperation could redefine their troubled relationship and lead the way in tackling global warming. china broke off form formal contact on combating climate change last year in protest to a visit to taiwan by the senior

us politician, nancy pelosi. you can find all our news on our website, and all the stories we are following. just search bbc news. we do have life pages for you to follow as well. around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news. let's take a look at some other stories making headlines across the uk. the united nations has said the uk's illegal migration bill is at odds with the country's obligations under international human rights and refugee law. the bill, which has been passed by parliament, is designed to deter migrants arriving in the country, and includes the government's plan to send some on flights to rwanda. the un's refugee agency and human rights office has said it significantly erodes protections for people fleeing persecution. prosecutors have abandoned their case against the former manchester united footballer, ryan giggs. he was due to face a retrial

on domestic violence charges later this month, but the case was withdrawn at a hearing at manchester crown court this morning. the boss of online food retailer ocado says the uk is "definitely over the worst" of food price inflation. chief executive tim steiner gave his forecast as separate figures revealed that grocery price growth slowed for a fourth month injune. you're live with bbc news. now on thursday voters go to the polls in three constituencies across england in a series of by—elections which will provide a major test of prime minister, rishi suna k�*s authority. the conservatives won all three seats at the last election, but the prime minister faces the possibility of not winning any of them. yesterday we were in selby and ainsty in north yorkshire, in northern england, and tomorrow we're in uxbridge in west london. but today we're in the west country seat of somerton

and frome in somerset. the by—election was triggered by the resignation of david warburton who had won the seat three times for the conservatives. he stood down following an investigation by parliamentary authorities into claims of sexual harassment. live now to frome, and my colleague lewis vaughanjones. thank you. yes, we are in one of the main shopping hubs in frome and this is a big test for the conservative party in the coming by—election. we will get a bit of a flavour for this constituency and we have got the perfect local guide. ruth, lovely to see you. you are the politics reporter for bbc somerset and you know all there is to know about this constituency, the area, and also a bit of the political history. let's go for a walk and you can talk me through that. first of all, this constituency, give me a flavour of this area. it constituency, give me a flavour of this area. , ., .,

this area. it is huge, one of the bi est this area. it is huge, one of the biggest constituencies - this area. it is huge, one of the biggest constituencies in - this area. it is huge, one of the i biggest constituencies in england. it biggest constituencies in england. it goes _ biggest constituencies in england. it goes from frome where we are, up to near— it goes from frome where we are, up to near bath, — it goes from frome where we are, up to near bath, down to the dorset border _ to near bath, down to the dorset border it's— to near bath, down to the dorset border. it's got a mixture of towns but it _ border. it's got a mixture of towns but it is— border. it's got a mixture of towns but it is also— border. it's got a mixture of towns but it is also really rural. it's got — but it is also really rural. it's got almost as many cows as people, probably _ got almost as many cows as people, probably. you have got places like britain, _ probably. you have got places like britain, which is really trendy these — britain, which is really trendy these days, former chancellor george osborne _ these days, former chancellor george osborne got married there last week -- matt— osborne got married there last week —— matt bruton. the glitz and glamour— —— matt bruton. the glitz and glamour of those names, places like frome _ glamour of those names, places like frome and _ glamour of those names, places like frome and bruton, don't be deceived. there _ frome and bruton, don't be deceived. there is— frome and bruton, don't be deceived. there is also _ frome and bruton, don't be deceived. there is also real poverty here. there _ there is also real poverty here. there is — there is also real poverty here. there is rural deprivation, and the people _ there is rural deprivation, and the people we — there is rural deprivation, and the people i've met in recent weeks want to talk— people i've met in recent weeks want to talk about the cost of living, housing, — to talk about the cost of living, housing, transport, day—to—day issues — housing, transport, day-to-day issues. . ~ housing, transport, day-to-day issues. ., ,, ., issues. talk me through the olitical issues. talk me through the political history _ issues. talk me through the political history because - issues. talk me through the political history because it l issues. talk me through the l political history because it has been conservative for the last few elections so talk me through it. it elections so talk me through it. it has always been conservative or lib dems, _ has always been conservative or lib dems, so— has always been conservative or lib dems, so it — has always been conservative or lib dems, so it is a tory lib embattled ground _ dems, so it is a tory lib embattled ground and — dems, so it is a tory lib embattled ground and most recently the last mp for the _ ground and most recently the last mp for the liberal democrats was david heath _ for the liberal democrats was david heath he _ for the liberal democrats was david

heath he was also deputy speaker of the house, leader of the house, sorry, _ the house, leader of the house, sorry, underthe the house, leader of the house, sorry, under the coalition. the house, leader of the house, sorry, underthe coalition. he the house, leader of the house, sorry, under the coalition. he lost the seat _ sorry, under the coalition. he lost the seat in — sorry, under the coalition. he lost the seat in 2015. david warburton has been — the seat in 2015. david warburton has been the conservative mp here since _ has been the conservative mp here since then, — has been the conservative mp here since then, and at the last election he had _ since then, and at the last election he had a _ since then, and at the last election he had a huge majority, 20,000, so the liberai— he had a huge majority, 20,000, so the liberal democrats are fighting to overturn that. so the liberal democrats are fighting to overturn that.— to overturn that. so a lot of resources. _ to overturn that. so a lot of resources, a _ to overturn that. so a lot of resources, a lot _ to overturn that. so a lot of resources, a lot of- to overturn that. so a lot of| resources, a lot of attention to overturn that. so a lot of- resources, a lot of attention here. you have been out and about speaking to various people across the whole constituency, so what kinds of things are coming up? i constituency, so what kinds of things are coming up?- constituency, so what kinds of things are coming up? i went to some really interesting _ things are coming up? i went to some really interesting locations. _ things are coming up? i went to some really interesting locations. during - really interesting locations. during wimbledon i went to a local tennis club, _ wimbledon i went to a local tennis club, somerton tennis club. most people _ club, somerton tennis club. most people wanted to talk about sleaze and the _ people wanted to talk about sleaze and the reputation of politicians, both nationally and locally. i also went _ both nationally and locally. i also went to _ both nationally and locally. i also went to a — both nationally and locally. i also went to a coffee morning in a large viiiage _ went to a coffee morning in a large village called martock. i went to a university— village called martock. i went to a university of the third age meeting, where _ university of the third age meeting, where they were hearing about climate — where they were hearing about climate change gardening. that's where _ climate change gardening. that's where people wanted to talk to me about _ where people wanted to talk to me about the _ where people wanted to talk to me about the cost of living, buses, housing — about the cost of living, buses, housing in— about the cost of living, buses, housing. in fact, the quote that will stick— housing. in fact, the quote that will stick with me as a woman who said to _ will stick with me as a woman who said to me. — will stick with me as a woman who said to me, "what has happened to this green—

said to me, "what has happened to this green and pleasant land question not the only green i have -ot question not the only green i have got is _ question not the only green i have got is the — question not the only green i have got is the mould growing on my bedroom — got is the mould growing on my bedroom walls".— bedroom walls". wow, that's a owerful bedroom walls". wow, that's a powerful image. _ bedroom walls". wow, that's a powerful image. some - bedroom walls". wow, that's a powerful image. some of- bedroom walls". wow, that's a powerful image. some of the l bedroom walls". wow, that's a - powerful image. some of the issues people talk to you about in terms of the resources that are being pumped in here, the liberal democrats, their party leader has been downhill campaigning. he’s their party leader has been downhill campaigning-— campaigning. he's been here nearly every other— campaigning. he's been here nearly every other day. — campaigning. he's been here nearly every other day, it _ campaigning. he's been here nearly every other day, it feels _ campaigning. he's been here nearly every other day, it feels like. - campaigning. he's been here nearly every other day, it feels like. i've i every other day, it feels like. i've been _ every other day, it feels like. i've been getting a lot of press releases saying _ been getting a lot of press releases saying this and that liberal democrat is going to be here and there. _ democrat is going to be here and there. and — democrat is going to be here and there, and i think he is here again later— there, and i think he is here again later today — there, and i think he is here again later today. so yes, a lot of resources _ later today. so yes, a lot of resources from the lib dems. tonnes of those _ resources from the lib dems. tonnes of those orange squares up in peoples — of those orange squares up in peoples gardens. we have not had any hi-h peoples gardens. we have not had any high profiie _ peoples gardens. we have not had any high profile conservative visits had of yet _ high profile conservative visits had of et. , , ., of yet. interesting. punters noting stuff and only _ of yet. interesting. punters noting stuff and only a — of yet. interesting. punters noting stuff and only a couple _ of yet. interesting. punters noting stuff and only a couple of- of yet. interesting. punters noting stuff and only a couple of couple l of yet. interesting. punters noting| stuff and only a couple of couple of days of campaigning left. you can keep across the results here on bbc news on thursday morning. thank keep across the results here on bbc news on thursday morning. and there are a number of candidates standing in the somerton and frome by—election.

the full list of candidates can be found on the bbc website along with a video from each candidate outlining their pledges to voters. and you can watch live coverage of all the by—election results from midnight on thursday night here on bbc news one of ukraine s most senior military commanders has admitted its offensive is not going as fast as he d like. general oleksandr syrskyi, who s in charge of military operations in eastern ukraine, told the bbc that quick results were proving to be practically impossible because of well—prepared russian defences. but general syrskyi said he hopes ukraine will be able to recapture the city of bakhmut, which russian forces, led by the wagner group, seized control of earlier this year. the bloody battle for bakhmut isn't over. the city is now held by the russians, but we traveled

with ukrainian forces who are trying to take it back. their advance is still slow and meeting resistance. get down! alex tells me the situation is tense. "as you see", he says, "the enemy's firing at our position". they try to fire back with their finnish—supplied mortar, but even western weapons can occasionally malfunction. explosion. that was a russian shell landing. their positions are just about three kilometers away from here. last time i was near here, two months ago, it was the ukrainians losing ground and in danger of being surrounded. now it's the other way round.

this is the bunker from where ukraine is coordinating the offensive on bakhmut with a constant live feed from dozens of drones. the commander admits they're suffering losses, but not on the same scale as the russians. translation: we've taken the initiative. l the enemy is bringing in troops and wants to escape the trap, but they're in trouble. bakhmut could be encircled. ukraine is using all it can to break the russian defenses. from the ground and from the air. but it's still outgunned and having to spread its limited resources on several fronts. but it will soon have a new weapon — us—supplied cluster bombs fired from these same american howitzers. this gun, will you use cluster

munitions in this gun? yes, yes, yes. you will? yes. and will you have any concerns? in the field? no. on the town? i have forbidden this. because it's not human. oleksandr syrskyi is the general in charge of all military operations in the east. this is a command vehicle, yes? yeah. the mastermind behind the defense of kyiv and the successful offensive in kharkiv. unlike many russian commanders, he's lionized by his troops and now his eyes are firmly set on retaking bakhmut. and you will take it back, bakhmut? yes, of course i try to do it. the offensive has been going on for more than a month now. even president zelensky has said it is slower than ukraine had hoped for.

is that true? translation: we would like to get i very fast results, but in reality i it's practically impossible. this entire area is well prepared with defenses, so all advances are not going as fast as we would like. so far, the advances have only been modest. most of the front remains relatively static. these ukrainian trench lines in the east haven't budged since 2014. ukraine has still to commit all its forces, but it's yet to break through russia's heavily mined main lines of defense. jonathan beale, bbc news, eastern ukraine. let's remind you of one of the main stories we are following. that intense heatwave that is sweeping across europe that is expected to peak today. these life pictures are

from the north of athens as this heatwave continues across southern europe. authorities in the area have ordered evacuations as these wildfires rage, and the winds are really strong, which is making it very difficult to fight these fires. authorities say that, due to high winds, these blazes are spreading across an area of 12 kilometres in just two hours. several houses have been damaged by these fires and local media have been showing footage of charred vehicles and thick white smoke billowing from burning vegetation. you can see those live pictures of the fire is continuing to burn. that is from near athens. and some breaking news that we have been following. a us national is thought to be in north korean custody after crossing the inter—korean border during a tour without approval. that's according to the un command. they say the person was taking part in a tour of

thejoint person was taking part in a tour of the joint security area. we are following that story and will bring you more from our correspondent in south korea as soon as we can. this is news now. stay with us on bbc news. across southern europe is another day of exceptional heat with temperatures climbing inland away from the coast well into the 40s, peaking across some southern parts of sardinia. on our shores this afternoon, it will be pleasant enoughin afternoon, it will be pleasant enough in the sunshine towards the south—east 24, but where the cloud and rain is in place, just 13 celsius for one or two areas. the area of low pressure which has been spilling insofar today, has been bringing rain erratically through the rest of the day through parts of northern ireland, northern england, wales and the north and west midlands. heavier bursts mixed in but there will be drier moments as well. north of that, sunshine and a

view slow moving heavy showers in northern scotland and the southern half of england, which is a state dry with a bit of sunshine. light winds and hazy sunshine, feeling reasonably warm. but under the rain band you will be lucky to reach 15 celsius. may be 17 or 18 in brighter spots across northern scotland. that is how the day finishes. tonight, outbreaks of rain gradually easing and for many there will be dryer moments around. across scotland and northern ireland, a north—westerly flow developing so it will feel fresher into the morning. temperatures in the teens for much of central england. here, we start the day with the cloud and they will be outbreaks of rain on and off. through the day, eastern counties could see lively and thundery showers. away from that, after morning sunshine the shower clouds build up stop a better chance of dry weather in the southern counties and western scotland. they have got the cloud today, sunshine more abundant tomorrow in between the downpours,

so feeling a touch warmer. a cool night will take us into thursday. showers will develop once again after a bright start. more cloud in northern scotland, and there will be a noticeable north—westerly breeze. feeling cooler there. temperatures in the low 20s further south and east. if you want some prolonged dry weather, look away now. going into the weekend, the next area of low pressure spreads into the north and west, bringing stronger winds, especially across southern counties. there will be rain at times just about everywhere, and looking at the temperatures as we go through the weekend into next week, 17—22 c. cooler than normal for this stage of july.

this is bbc news. the headlines: the headlines: europe braces as an intense heatwave europe braces as an intense heatwave is expected to peak, is expected to peak, while more extreme weather while more extreme weather is reported across the globe is reported across the globe from asia to north america. from asia to north america. one of ukraine's most senior one of ukraine's most senior military leaders says fast results military leaders says fast results in the counter—offensive against russia are proving "practically impossible". a us national has been detained in north korea after crossing into the country without approval, according to the united nations. a barge which will be used to house 500 uk asylum seekers docks in dorset.