The UK experienced its hottest day of the year today, with temperatures reaching 30C, according to the Met Office.

A tragic incident occurred during the Hajj pilgrimage in which a couple from the US lost their lives due to the extreme heat. The daughter of the deceased pilgrims revealed that her parents had walked for hours without proper provisions, leading to their untimely deaths. The couple had relied on a tour agency for their pilgrimage arrangements, but unfortunately, the agency failed to provide them with essential necessities for the challenging journey. This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that pilgrims are adequately prepared and supported during such religious journeys.

During the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, a tragic event occurred as over 1300 individuals lost their lives. The pilgrimage saw a total of 1.8 million pilgrims arriving in Mecca, where they had to endure walking long distances in the scorching heatwave. Temperatures soared to a staggering 51 degrees Celsius, creating extremely challenging conditions for the pilgrims. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks and hardships faced by those undertaking the sacred journey to Mecca.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has taken action against 16 tourism companies for their involvement in fraudulent hajj trips to Mecca. These companies have been stripped of their licences and their managers have been referred to the public prosecutor's office. This decision comes in light of the recent hajj pilgrimage where over 1,100 deaths were reported, with many attributed to extreme heat. The Prime Minister's order to prosecute these travel agents highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need to hold accountable those responsible for putting pilgrims at risk. The safety and well-being of pilgrims undertaking the hajj pilgrimage is of utmost importance, and any fraudulent practices that compromise their safety will not be tolerated. This crackdown on fraudulent travel agents sends a strong message that such actions will not be overlooked and that those involved will face legal consequences. The government's swift action in response to the tragic events during this year's hajj demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all pilgrims.

A heat health alert has been issued for most of England as temperatures are expected to reach 30C in some areas. The alert covers all regions except one, with concerns raised about the potential for "significant impacts" on the health and social care sector. The UKHSA warns of the potential risks associated with the soaring temperatures.

A scorching heatwave has taken hold of the US south-west, with record-breaking temperatures reaching over 110F in some states. Roughly half of Arizona and Nevada are currently under an excessive heat alert as the region experiences unusually high temperatures for this time of year. This first heatwave of the year is expected to persist for at least another day, with records being shattered across California and Arizona. Despite summer officially beginning in two weeks, the National Weather Service has extended the excessive heat alert until Friday evening in Arizona and Nevada. In Las Vegas, the alert has been extended through Saturday, marking the earliest occurrence of such extreme heat in the city's history. Residents in the affected areas are feeling the intensity of the heat, with many describing it as "hotter than we're used to." The scorching temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the importance of staying hydrated and taking precautions to stay safe during this heatwave.

Unprecedented heat waves swept across the Southwest United States, shattering records as temperatures climbed well into the triple digits. Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona experienced scorching temperatures exceeding 110 degrees, setting new highs for the region.

A "heat dome" has settled over the West Coast, bringing scorching temperatures of up to 112F and creating dangerous conditions for over 10 million people in California, Nevada, and Arizona. This phenomenon is expected to persist throughout the week, posing a serious threat to residents in the region. The extreme heat has raised concerns about the potential for wildfires, as dry conditions and high temperatures increase the risk of ignition. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe and avoid activities that could spark fires. The heat dome is expected to bring "dangerous heat" to the affected regions, making it essential for people to stay hydrated, seek shelter in air-conditioned spaces, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. It is crucial for individuals to take care of themselves and their loved ones during this challenging time. As the heat wave continues to impact the West Coast, it is important for everyone to stay informed about the latest updates and follow guidelines from local authorities to ensure their safety.