Overview

• A band of low pressure has brought rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms across the UK, leading the Met Office to lift amber and yellow heat-health alerts this morning.
• The Environment Agency has expanded drought zones in the East and West Midlands and water companies have imposed hosepipe bans after England’s driest spring since 1976.
• Forecasters warn that a fourth heatwave could strike the UK before the end of July, with temperatures potentially reaching 32°C.
• The India Meteorological Department has issued orange and yellow alerts for heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Kerala, Karnataka and Delhi regions.
• Chicago faces a slight risk of severe storms tonight followed by another hot, humid day with highs in the lower 90s and potential for damaging wind gusts.