6 d. ago What I’ve learned after 40 years as the Observer’s science editor

Almost as amazing as the knowledge we have gained in the past four decades is the fact that some people continue to deny the damage we are doing to our worldEarlier this year I received an email from a reader asking background questions about an article I had written more than four decades ago. Given the time gap, my recollection was hazy. To be honest, it was almost non-existent. So I was intrigued – and then astonished when I read the feature.I had written about the British glaciologist John Mercer, author of a 1978 Nature paper in which he warned that continuing increases in fossil fuel consumption would cause amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide to soar. Global temperatures could rise by 2C by the mid-21st century, causing major ice loss at the poles and threatening a 5-metre rise in sea levels, he warned. Continue reading...

Politics

7 d. ago Scotland hit by 'extreme' wildfire warning as temperatures soar and blazes erupt across the nation

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have issued a whole of Scotland extreme wildfire warning as the nation is hit by a spate of blazes, with emergency services battling to bring the infernos under control

Events

7 d. ago How much water should you drink a day? The exact amount you should drink as temperatures soar

Dehydration is a dangerous risk in sunny weather ⛱

Politics

7 d. ago As temperatures soar to hotter than Barcelona, fire brings devastation

Two moor fires remain ongoing, with dozens of firefighters at the scene

Events

8 d. ago Manchester will be hotter than Barcelona TODAY as temperatures soar to 20C

The city will bask in glorious sunshine for a couple more days before the weather takes a turn

Politics

8 d. ago 'Caribbean conveyor belt' set to bring heatwave to UK over next 24 hours

Within the next 24 hours, parts of the UK, particularly northeastern England and Scotland, could see temperatures soar to 23C after 'Caribbean conveyor belt' brings the heat

Politics

8 d. ago Sunburn: Met Office issue warning over sunburn risk as temperatures continue to soar

Sunburn increases your risk of developing skin cancer ☀

Events

8 d. ago UK weather: Warning to drivers over item that could explode in the car as temperatures soar

The item could be at risk of exploding in the hot weather this week 🤯

Events

8 d. ago Best way to get sun cream stains out of clothes as temperatures soar across Scotland

Scotland is in for another glorious weekend of sunshine so its important you get your sun cream on but also know how to get it out of your clothing because it stains very easily.

Politics

8 d. ago Wildfire warning as fire risk 'rises daily' with temperatures set to soar to 24C

Parents have been urged to remind their children of fire risks over the Easter holidays

Events

1 week ago UK weather today: Britain forecast balmy 20C Wednesday as maps turn fiery orange

Millions of Brits can expect temperatures to soar to as high as 20C in western parts of the country today while people living in other regions might want to temper their expectations

Politics

1 week ago Met Office map reveals where in UK temperatures soar by 10C in 24 hours

Temperatures could reach highs of 23C for parts of the UK later this week

Politics

1 week ago Parents urged not to dress babies in certain clothes as hot weather looms

With temperatures set to soar to 22C, many parents will be getting their children's light and airy summer clothes ready. However, there are a few items you need to be careful with

Society

2 w. ago Met Office 'very high' pollen warning as UK set for hottest day of the year

Hay fever sufferers should brace for high pollen levels as temperatures soar

Events

2 w. ago Britain set for warmest day of the year so far as temperatures reach 24C with parts of UK hotter than Ibiza as wildfires break out amid barbecue warning

Much of the UK will be dry and sunny throughout today, with the Met Office expecting the weather in central England to be closer to typical conditions in July as temperatures soar to 24C (75F).

Events

2 w. ago Weather map: Where in the UK will be hotter than the Algarve as temperatures soar to 22C

So far this spring, the UK has experienced record-breaking sunny spells

Politics

2 w. ago Expert warns drivers to avoid common mistake as the weather gets warmer

This blunder could actually cause serious damage to your car, and even yourself

Events

2 w. ago Warning over disposable barbecues as UK temperatures set to soar to 22C

People are urged not to use disposable barbecues and to act responsibly to prevent the risk of wildfires

Events

2 w. ago Londoners warned not to have barbecues this weekend because they could cause wildfires

The Met Office has imposed a rare amber warning for fire severity across parts of England, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland as temperatures soar to 22C (72F).

Events

2 w. ago Amber wildfire warning issued for most of England as temperatures hit 22C

The Met Office has issued an amber wildfire warning for large parts of the UK as temperatures are set to soar to over 20C this week, with fire services urging the public to take care

Events