Leeds
A new ‘heat-health’ alert has been issued across UK- with temperatures of up to 36⁰C expected
"Temperatures could peak at 35⁰C, or even an isolated 36⁰C on Saturday.
A level 3 alert is in place for southern and central England, and a level 2 for the North.
A heat-health alert has been issued across the UK, with temperatures forecast to soar for much of the country this week, reports The Manc.
Announced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the UK government, the alert - which is said to act as an early warning system for periods of high temperatures that may affect the public’s health - will be in place from midday today until 6pm on Saturday 13 August for all regions of England.
The UKHSA says its heat-health alert service is designed to help healthcare professionals manage through periods of extreme temperature.
Although the Met Office says temperatures are not forecast to reach the record-breaking levels of the most recent heatwave back in July, they are expected to continue to rise throughout the week, potentially reaching mid-30°C Friday and Saturday in the South East, London, the South West, and the East and West Midlands.
"Temperatures will feel very warm again this week, particularly in southern and central parts of the country," explained Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the UKHSA.
"We want everyone to enjoy the warm weather safely when it arrives but remember that heat can have a fast impact on health, so it’s important to ensure that people who are more vulnerable p elderly people who live alone, and people with underlying health conditions - are prepared for coping during the hot weather.
"The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and take steps to prevent their homes from overheating."
Read more: UK told to brace for ‘worst’ wasp invasion in years as heatwave arrives
The heat-health warning issued ahead of rising temperatures comes after the Met Office recently-raised the temperatures that have to be reached for an official heatwave to be recorded in eight English counties - which was a move said to have been taken to reflect the warming conditions in the UK.
Weather officials have however said heatwave criteria "looks likely to be met" across large parts of the country this week.
Speaking on the forecast for the week, Tony Wardle - Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office - said: "Heatwave criteria look likely to be met for large areas of the UK later this week, with the hottest areas expected in central and southern England and Wales on Friday and Saturday.
"Temperatures could peak at 35⁰C, or even an isolated 36⁰C on Saturday.
"Elsewhere will see temperatures widely into the high 20s and low 30s Celsius later this week as temperatures build day-on-day through the week due to an area of high pressure extending over much of the UK."
More information about staying safe during warm weather can be found on the UKHSA website.
Featured Image - The Hoot Leeds
Leeds
Leeds City Council to unveil new action plan aimed at ending homelessness
Clementine Hall
An ambitious new action plan for how to end homelessness is set to be presented by Leeds City Council this month.
Leaders of Leeds Council are expected to sign off on a partnership-led roadmap on Wednesday 18 November which outlines how the city will support the government's new homelessness strategy.
The strategy sets out a national ambition to make homelessness rare and non-recurring through a shift from crisis intervention to prevention and requires local authorities to set annual targets and local delivery plans.
In response to the strategy, Leeds has developed two new action plans which sit alongside the council’s existing Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-2028.
The action plans provide a refresh, building on what has worked while responding to the changing housing market and patterns of need.
The approach to homelessness will move beyond responding once it occurs, towards earlier identification with integrated intervention and sustained support.
The new action plans are being introduced alongside the national Rough Sleeping Programme, for which Leeds has received £1.6million of funding.
Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council's deputy leader and executive member for communities and community safety, and Councillor Asghar Khan, executive member for housing and hubs, said: “Since publishing our five-year Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy in 2023, we have placed universal and targeted prevention at the heart of our approach, alongside work to maximise access to suitable accommodation.
"This has included identifying people at risk earlier, providing accessible housing advice and financial assistance, helping people to sustain their tenancies, and working with private landlords and housing providers to increase rehousing opportunities.
“This activity has provided strong results, but we know that there is more to be done as demand increases and the context that we are working in changes.
“The existing strategy has been reviewed against the national plan and remains strongly aligned in ambition and principles. Our new action plans will build on that foundation, responding to changing pressures and strengthening delivery where needed.
“Through earlier intervention, collaboration, stronger partnership working and targeted support, we will work hard through our partnerships to reduce the need for crisis responses and improve outcomes for residents at risk of homelessness.”
You can read the full report here.
Read more: Leeds Railway Station entrance FINALLY reopens after four-year delay
Featured Image – Gary Knight (via Flickr)
Leeds
This Yorkshire town has just been crowned the second ‘happiest’ place to live in the UK
Clementine Hall
The UK’s happiest places to live for 2026 have been named, and two Yorkshire towns have made the list.
One in fact, has taken a very impressive second place.
Just as it has done for the last 14 years now, Rightmove has published its annual ‘Happy at Home’ index, which explores exactly what it is that makes people feel content about where they live, and highlights the happiest places nationwide ahead of the new year.
This year, thousands of residents across more than 200 locations told the leading property listing platform what they love (or don’t love) about their community – from the friendliness of their neighbours, to job opportunities, access to green spaces, and so much more.
The survey also outlines the differences in happiness in rural, urban, and suburban environments, as well as the way our sense of ‘home happiness’ changes as we age.
So, where do we have in the top 10 then?
Richmond Upon Thames in London took the coveted spot, but coming in second place is the beautiful spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.
Is it any surprise? Known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, rolling green space and the iconic Betty's Tea Rooms - we reckon you really can't help but be happy if you live here.
Last year's winner, Skipton in North Yorkshire, won last year. And although it didn't reign supreme this time it did come in second place, so we'll still take that.
The UK’s top 10 happiest places to live 2026
- Richmond upon Thames
- Harrogate
- Cirencester
- Monmouth
- Hove
- Chorley
- Skipton
- Llandrindod Wells
- Horsham
- Hexham
Speaking on this year’s list, Colleen Babcock – a property expert at Rightmove – explained: “The balance between greenery and everyday convenience runs through the wider findings. Even among people who would ideally choose a rural setting, access to amenities, parks and public transport remains important.
“This year’s results suggest that the places people rate most highly aren’t simply urban or rural, but often bring together some of the best elements of both.”
Read more: Leeds has been named one of the most ‘pet-friendly’ cities in the UK
Featured image - Unsplash (Illiya Vjestica)
The Hoot -
9th August 2022 
