Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
Second heatwave of June 2025 will see temperatures exceed 30°C
Hottest day of the year so far may be recorded on Monday
Wimbledon and Glastonbury could break event-specific temperature records
Cooler conditions possible by Tuesday, but some areas may remain hot
Health and infrastructure alerts issued due to extreme heat
UK set for another burst of extreme summer heat
A second heatwave this June is forecast to push UK temperatures above 30°C over the weekend, with the hottest conditions likely early next week. The surge in heat could rival or even surpass the current high of 33.2°C, recorded on 21 June in Charlwood, Surrey.
The unusually hot spell is linked to a warm airmass crossing from North America and is likely to affect much of England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland, however, will experience milder conditions.
Fresh Thursday, then rising heat from Friday
Thursday will bring rain and showers across parts of the country, offering temporary relief. However, from Friday, humidity levels are expected to rise as a result of a warm airmass that originated from the recent extreme heatwave in the United States.
While rain may continue in north-western areas, eastern England will see increasing sunshine, with temperatures climbing into the high 20s.
Heatwave conditions across large parts of England
By Saturday, a ridge of high pressure over Europe will intensify the heat across southern and central regions. Areas such as south-east England, East Anglia, the Midlands, and Central Southern England are expected to hit between 27°C and 30°C.
On Sunday, the heat will expand into parts of east Wales and the north of England. East Anglia and the south-east are likely to experience the highest temperatures, potentially reaching 32°C.
Monday may see highest temperature of the year
Forecasters predict Monday could mark the peak of the heatwave. Temperatures in parts of East Anglia and the south-east may reach 33°C to 34°C. If this is achieved, it would surpass the current 2025 high of 33.2°C.
The all-time UK June record of 35.6°C, set in Southampton during the summer of 1976, is unlikely to be broken, but the forecasted figures are not far off.
Cooler air could arrive from Tuesday
There is uncertainty in the forecast from Tuesday onwards. Many weather models indicate a shift towards cooler, fresher conditions from the west. However, some areas, particularly in the east, may retain higher temperatures for another day or two.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are not expected to reach heatwave criteria, with temperatures generally remaining in the low 20s. Rain, possibly heavy at times, could return on Monday.
Events, travel and health advice amid high temperatures
Major summer events such as Wimbledon and Glastonbury could be impacted. Wimbledon may start hotter than ever before, potentially surpassing the 29.3°C recorded at Kew in 2001. Glastonbury might approach its 2017 record of 31.2°C from Rodney Stoke.
Extreme heat poses risks to infrastructure. Train services may be disrupted due to the possibility of tracks expanding or buckling. Public health is also a concern, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing conditions.
The government and NHS continue to issue heat-health alerts, advising people to stay hydrated, avoid peak sun hours, and look out for vulnerable individuals.
A GIFTED Asian teenager who passed 23 A levels has revealed she has been offered a place at Oxford University to study medicine.
Mahnoor Cheema, 18, a former student of north London’s Henrietta Barnett School (HBS), scored 19 grades A/A*, the Telegraph said.
She has an IQ of 161, putting her in a highly gifted category, along with scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein.
British Pakistani student Cheema was quoted as saying, “I was absolutely set on it [studying medicine at Oxford]. There was not a world in my mind where I would not get in. That is not cocky, but that was my determined life path.
“If I did not get in, I would have reapplied.”
The teenager revealed it was a “nerve-wracking” decision to leave the grammar school, quitting in her second term at sixth form, in order to prepare for her A levels.
The report said Cheema scored four A*s in her first two months at the sixth form, in environmental management, marine science, English language and thinking skills.
However, when she expressed her interest in pursuing a further eight A levels, the school had concerns.
Cheema told the paper, “We had a few meetings with the school and the school said, ‘We do not think academically this is the best choice. You are missing a lot of lessons.’ I assured them on the academic side and they said ‘not just academically’.
“They said they thought in general it was a loss to miss out on so much of my school life, which I disagreed with. I do not think I was missing out but I could see why they felt that way. We sorted that and said there would be no absences other than for exams.”
Supported by her mother, Cheema revealed she studied from home.
She said gifted and talented children need help to realise their potential.
“In my opinion gifted children also count as children with special education needs and deserve extra and appropriate support.”
As A level results were announced earlier this week, a north London school celebrated the academic achievement of its students.
Avanti House Sixth Form, in Stanmore, said 31 per cent of all grades were A*-A, with 58 per cent at A*-B and students have secured places at Oxford, Warwick University, King’s College London, LSE, and UCL.
Some have opted for apprenticeships with KPMG, Slaughter and May, Jaguar Land Rover, and Barclays.
The school received an outstanding Ofsted inspection in June 2025, with praise for the sixth form’s high-quality teaching, exceptional careers provision and strong leadership opportunities.
Principal Simon Arnell said, “We are so proud of the results. We have maintained incredibly high outcomes and given our students amazing opportunities to flourish and become spiritually compassionate changemakers in their next steps, whether this is at university and top companies across the country.”
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Ricky Jones attends an anti-racism protest in Walthamstow, London. (Photo: Reuters)
A COUNCILLOR was on Friday (15) acquitted of encouraging violent disorder for saying far-right activists should have their throats cut amid riots last year, drawing claims from right-wing politicians of a hypocritical "two-tier" justice system.
Ricky Jones made the comments at a counter-protest in London after three girls were murdered in Southport last summer and he was suspended by the Labour party.
Jones, 58, was cleared by a jury following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He had made the remarks to a crowd gathered near an immigration advice centre in London after reports that far-right supporters were planning a protest.
"They are disgusting Nazi fascists ... We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all," he said, running a finger across his throat.
Jones gave evidence that he did not intend his words to be taken literally and said his comments referred to far-right stickers with hidden razor blades found on a train.
Right-wing politicians and activists said his case was an example of how Britain had an unfair police and justice system, with those who voice concerns about immigration treated differently to those who support liberal or left-wing causes.
They contrasted Jones' treatment with that of Lucy Connolly, the wife of a Conservative councillor who was jailed for 31 months for inciting racial hatred for a post urging mass deportation of migrants and the burning of their hotels.
Unlike Jones, she had pleaded guilty to the offence.
Misinformation on social media last year said the teenager who committed the Southport murders was an Islamist migrant, fuelling days of violent riots including attacks on mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers.
Keep ReadingShow less
Hitchin residents can look forward to a fine and settled weekend
Mostly dry conditions expected across Hitchin with clear to partly cloudy skies.
No rain forecast from Friday through Sunday.
Temperatures will peak at 28°C on Friday before easing slightly over the weekend.
Moderate breezes throughout, with winds up to 19mph.
Weekend outlook
Hitchin residents can look forward to a fine and settled weekend, with dry conditions and a mix of clear and partly cloudy skies from Friday through Sunday. The absence of rain and comfortable temperatures will make it an excellent opportunity for outdoor activities.
Friday: Warmest day of the weekend
Friday will bring partly cloudy skies with the warmest temperatures of the weekend, reaching a high of 28°C and dipping to 16°C overnight. Humidity will sit at around 67%, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere. Winds of up to 17mph will provide a refreshing breeze.
Saturday: Mild with a steady breeze
On Saturday, conditions will remain partly cloudy, with temperatures easing slightly to a high of 25°C and a low of 15°C. Humidity will rise marginally to 69%, though the air will remain comfortable. Winds may pick up to 19mph, adding a gentle breeze to the day.
Sunday: Clear and settled finish
Sunday will be the clearest day of the weekend, offering bright skies and calm conditions. Temperatures will peak at 24°C before falling to 12°C overnight. Humidity will reduce to around 65%, while winds will ease to 16mph, making for a serene close to the weekend.
Commuting conditions
With no rainfall predicted and only moderate winds, commuters should find conditions favourable whether travelling by car or bicycle. Cyclists should be mindful of breezier spells on Friday and Saturday.
Best time for outdoor plans
The dry and mild forecast makes this weekend ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnics, or visits to local parks. The clear skies on Sunday in particular may appeal to those planning barbecues or longer walks. Residents are advised to stay hydrated on Friday, when higher temperatures are expected.
Virgin Media customers reported severe pixelation during Liverpool’s season opener at Anfield.
The disruption lasted for more than 15 minutes, causing many to miss Hugo Ekitike’s first-half goal.
Fans took to social media to complain, criticising the service cost and reliability.
Virgin Media apologised, confirming the issue has since been resolved.
Broadcast disruption frustrates fans
Liverpool fans were left frustrated after a major broadcast fault affected Virgin Media’s coverage of the club’s first Premier League home game of the season against Bournemouth.
Viewers complained of a heavily pixelated screen and frozen coverage from around the 15th minute of play, with the problem lasting well into the first half. The fault meant many missed Hugo Ekitike’s 37th-minute goal, which gave Liverpool the lead.
Fans vent on social media
Supporters voiced their anger on X, formerly Twitter, describing the feed as “unwatchable”.
One viewer said: “First match of the season ruined. Unacceptable when paying £120 a month for the service.”
Another user, Andy Lycett, wrote: “Anyone else’s Virgin Media gone all squiffy? It’s like watching it on a dodgy stick.”
Julie B added: “Unbelievable! 30 minutes into the football and Virgin Media fails on TV and online! We pay all that money plus extra for Sky Sports and this happens on the first match of the season.”
Others confirmed that rebooting their television boxes and Wi-Fi routers did not resolve the problem.
Virgin Media response
In a reply to affected customers, Virgin Media confirmed it was aware of an issue impacting Sky Sports channels.
A spokesperson said: “We apologise to customers who experienced pixelation issues with their television services earlier this evening. Our teams worked swiftly to identify the fault and have now restored services to normal.”
Keep ReadingShow less
Ramdas Athawale, Harrow mayor Anjana Patel and Rajrajeshwar Guruji
The Indian community gathered in large numbers at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow on Thursday to mark the 79th anniversary of India’s Independence with a day of cultural performances, interfaith participation, and tributes to ties between India and the UK.
The event opened outdoors with the Indian national flag hoisted by Harrow Mayor Anjana Patel, joined by visiting dignitary Pankaj Bhai Modi from Gujarat, saints from India, and Rajrajeshwar Guruji. The ceremony was followed by the national anthem and a performance by a Maharashtrian Dhol group.
Inside the main hall, guests received tricolour-themed caps and shawls before speeches reflecting on India’s progress since 1947, the role of the diaspora in Britain, and values shared by the two nations.
Pankaj Bhai Modi praised the sense of unity at the gathering, describing it as “a garland of pearls” representing different Indian states. Mayor Patel highlighted India’s “unstoppable” progress since independence and the contributions of Harrow’s Indian community.
India’s Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, marking his first Independence Day in London, acknowledged the diaspora’s role in the UK, praised Guruji’s community work, and recalled B.R. Ambedkar’s years of study in the capital. Guruji underlined the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family” — and announced a Shiv Katha to be held from 18 to 22 August in memory of the victims of the Air India plane crash.
Flag hoisting ceremony
The programme also included representatives from Harrow Interfaith and the local council, alongside uniformed officers from the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and St John Ambulance.
A highlight came when Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, recently appointed Commander of the North West Basic Command Unit, was formally honoured. Pankaj Bhai Modi emphasized the importance of police-community ties, while Williams said he hoped to “work closely with all communities, learning from one another, and strengthening shared values of respect, safety, and unity.”
The day concluded with children’s dances, music, and youth speeches, showcasing the community’s efforts to preserve cultural traditions among younger generations.