Weather maps predict temperatures will surge to 26C across parts of the UK at the start of May, with 74 counties including Cambridgeshire expected to see highs of 20C or above
Ethan Blackshaw Deputy Publishing Lead (Mirror) and Emma O’Neill Content Editor
14:32, 21 Apr 2026
(Image: WXCharts)
Weather forecasting maps indicate that temperatures could climb to as high as 26C in certain parts of the UK in the coming days.
The data reveals that up to 74 counties across England, Scotland and Wales are set to experience temperatures of 20C or above at the beginning of May. Northern Ireland is forecast to reach a slightly lower peak of 19C.
According to the GFS weather model, the temperature rise will begin on 4 May, with 21C and 22C expected across much of southern and central England. North Wales could also enjoy highs of 21C at around 6pm.
The mercury is forecast to continue climbing throughout the week, reaching 24C in the south-east on 5 May, with London benefiting most from the warmth. Parts of Scotland could touch 20C at 6pm, while Wales may see highs of 23C.
The GFS model data suggests 6 May will be the hottest day, with temperatures of up to 26C in and around London. The Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia could all record highs of between 24C and 25C, though Northern Ireland and Scotland are expected to remain considerably cooler, reports the Mirror.
Across this three-day period, the maps indicate that 74 counties or county boroughs could reach 20C or above, with the south-east of England experiencing the most intense heat.
UK regions facing 20C or above in May
England
Bedfordshire
Berkshire
Bristol
Buckinghamshire
Cambridgeshire
Cheshire
City of London
Cornwall
County Durham
Cumbria
Derbyshire
Devon
Dorset
East Riding of Yorkshire
East Sussex
Essex
Gloucestershire
Greater London
Greater Manchester
Hampshire
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Kent
Lancashire
Leicestershire
Lincolnshire
Merseyside
Norfolk
North Yorkshire
Northamptonshire
Northumberland
Nottinghamshire
Oxfordshire
Rutland
Shropshire
Somerset
South Yorkshire
Staffordshire
Suffolk
Surrey
Tyne and Wear
Warwickshire
West Midlands
West Sussex
West Yorkshire
Wiltshire
Worcestershire
Wales
Gwynedd
Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Wrexham
Powys
Ceredigion
Pembrokeshire
Carmarthenshire
Swansea
Neath Port Talbot
Bridgend
Vale of Glamorgan
Cardiff
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Merthyr Tydfil
Caerphilly
Blaenau Gwent
Torfaen
Monmouthshire
Newport
Scotland
Roxburghshire
Kirkcudbrightshire
Morayshire
Banffshire
Despite the scorching conditions, this hot period at the beginning of May is unlikely to be classified as an official heatwave. A heatwave is formally declared when temperatures meet or surpass the heatwave threshold for three days running.
The heatwave threshold ranges from 25C to 28C throughout the UK. It sits at 28C in the south-east of England where conditions tend to be hotter, and falls to 25C the further north you travel.
Police and forensics descended on a Stoke-on-Trent street. They were dispatched to Mews Close, in Eaton Park, after reports of a house burglary.
It was later discovered that nothing had been stolen. The break-in had happened at 3am on Saturday 18 April.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “We were called to reports that a house had been broken into on Mews Close. Nothing was stolen. Officers attended as well as forensics.”
Any witnesses can call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
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UK Police Officers Save 100 Lives with Life-Saving GoodSAM App
Heroes in Blue Restart 100 Hearts
Police officers across multiple UK forces have performed the incredible feat of restarting more than 100 hearts. Thanks to the GoodSAM Responder App, officers receive instant alerts when someone nearby suffers a cardiac arrest – giving them precious minutes to deliver CPR before the ambulance arrives.
GoodSAM App: A Vital Link in Emergency Response
The GoodSAM Responder App is integrated with most UK ambulance services. When a 999 call reports a cardiac arrest, the app instantly notifies registered responders in the vicinity. This includes NHS professionals like doctors, nurses, paramedics, as well as police, fire crews, and trained first aiders ready to step in.
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Lead the Way
The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) police forces were the first in the UK to use GoodSAM in partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Over 500 police officers from these forces have answered cardiac alerts, often providing life-saving CPR before paramedics reach the scene.
“As police officers, we are dedicated to serving the public and protecting lives,” said Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson. “We are delighted to have helped so many people who suffered a cardiac arrest. The outcome could have been very different without the cardiac alert service and the quick actions of our volunteer colleagues.”
Saving Seconds, Saving Lives
Every minute without CPR after a cardiac arrest slashes survival chances by 10%. GoodSAM bridges the crucial gap between the 999 call and ambulance arrival.
The life-saving alert service, first rolled out in BCH, now also operates in the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and the London Ambulance Service (LAS). This means off-duty officers in neighbouring regions like London, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire can respond to emergencies nearby.
Look Out for Restart a Heart Day
This heroic milestone of 100 resuscitations comes just ahead of Restart a Heart Day on 16 October – a day dedicated to raising awareness about cardiac arrests and the importance of knowing CPR.
To find out how the GoodSAM app works or to learn CPR, visit the GoodSAM website or contact your local emergency services.
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Millions could be missing out on an average of £3,000 a year in unclaimed DWP benefits — here’s how to check what you may be entitled to
You may want to check what benefits you are entitled to(Image: Halfpoint Images via Getty Images)
Thousands of pounds in DWP support is at risk of going unclaimed by those who are entitled to it. Benefits specialists have outlined how eligible individuals can access the funds they are owed.
The team at financial support organisation Money Wellness has urged people to check which benefits they may be missing out on. The group estimates that people forgo an average of £3,000 a year in support, equivalent to £250 a month.
Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, said people frequently fail to apply for what they are entitled to, even when they are aware the support exists. She said: “It’s not just awareness. There are other barriers too.
“Stigma is still a big one. A lot of people feel uncomfortable about claiming benefits, especially if they’ve worked all their lives.”
For instance, those of state pension age on a low income may be eligible to claim Pension Credit. Even if you have always been financially self-sufficient throughout your working life and plan to remain so in retirement, this benefit could make a considerable difference. The average claim is worth over £4,000 a year in support, boosting your weekly income while also unlocking access to additional assistance, reports the Express.
The benefit tops up your income to £238 a week for single claimants and up to £363.25 a week for couples. Additional amounts may be available depending on your personal circumstances, such as having a severe disability or caring for another adult.
Time-consuming process
Ms Lamb cautioned that another risk is people being deterred by the lengthy application procedure. She said: “The process can also put people off. It can feel complicated, it’s definitely time-consuming, and it can be quite overwhelming if you’re already struggling.
“There’s also fear of being rejected, which stops people even trying. And sometimes it’s just life. People are busy, they’re dealing with bills, work, family pressures, and applying for support gets pushed to the bottom of the list.”
A real opportunity
She urged greater efforts to boost awareness. The advocate said: “There’s a real opportunity for more organisations to be more proactive. At the moment, too much relies on people knowing when to check, and in reality, most people don’t.
“If the DWP or local authorities could prompt people when something changes – even just a simple message saying ‘you may want to check what you’re now entitled to’ – that could make a real difference.”
She suggested that service providers including banks and utility companies could also contribute, by directing people towards support if they are defaulting on payments or dipping into their overdraft.
Ms Lamb said: “They’re often in a position to see the early signs first, with things like overdrafts creeping up or missed payments. That’s usually the point where a bit of signposting to benefits checks or debt advice could really help people before things get worse.”
To determine what benefits you may be eligible for, a number of online tools are available, including the Better Off Calculator.
And then there is Enzo, a Blue Staffordshire who apparently sees a parked car as the perfect private office for an important little debrief.
In this video, Enzo is sitting in the car with his mom, happily giving her all the news like he has been holding it in and can finally speak. They are parked, which honestly makes it even funnier. This isn’t road noise excitement. This isn’t overstimulation from the drive. This is a deliberate little conversation from a dog who clearly has thoughts and intends to share them.
That is what makes the clip so good. Enzo isn’t chaotic. He’s conversational. He looks like he’s explaining something very clearly, maybe recounting the day, maybe circling back to an earlier issue, maybe just making sure Mom fully understands his current position on life. One comment says, “He explains it so perfectly 😭,” and that really is the exact vibe. You may not know the language, but you know he’s making points.
And he’s adorable while doing it.
Blue Staffies already have that perfect combination of blocky little heads, huge hearts, and faces that somehow look both tough and babyish at the same time. Add in a parked-car monologue, and it becomes impossible not to love. Enzo has the energy of a friend who sits down, looks at you, and says, OK, so here’s what happened.
That is why this works so well. It feels like real personality. Not a trick, not a setup, just one very expressive dog being himself in a way that makes everyone watching feel like they are getting the inside scoop, too.
Dogs Really Do Build Their Own Ways To Communicate
Enzo’s little parked-car speeches are funny, but they are also a good reminder that dogs use a mix of sounds, timing, facial expressions, and body language to communicate with the people they trust. Paying attention to when your pup gets chatty, excited, or especially expressive can help you understand their routines and needs a lot better.
Honestly, Enzo sounded like he was halfway through a podcast, and his mom was the only subscriber he needed.
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Related: Staffy Heads to the Beach, and Her Excitement Is Too Cute to Handle
This story was originally published by PawNation on Apr 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add PawNation as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Bedfordshire Police is appealing for the public’s help in locating a missing teenager from Houghton Regis.
Lexi, aged 13, has been missing since Thursday evening (16 April).
She is around 5’2”, she often wears glasses and has very long dark brown straight hair, with a red tint. She was last seen wearing a grey dress and light brown sliders.
Officers are concerned for her welfare and would urge anyone who has seen her, or has information as to where she may be, to contact police immediately using the webchat service via the green message icon on the force website, www.beds.police.uk.
Please use the reference 74 of 17 April with any reports.
Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Four people have been arrested after a car crash on a Cambridgeshire road. Cambridgeshire Police were called to reports of suspicious activity on Cromwell Road, Wisbech, at around 10.50pm on Sunday (April 19).
When officers arrived, they found a car crashed on Lerowe Road, Walsoken. No one was injured. Officers arrested four people on suspicion of several offences. These were:
An 18-year-old man from Wisbech has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B/C drug, possession of an offensive weapon, fail to stop and escape from lawful custody;
An 18-year-old man from Wisbech has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B/C drug;
A 17-year-old boy from Leverington has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B/C drug;
An 18-year-old man from Whittlesey has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon, and dangerous driving.
The three men and one boy are currently in custody at King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre.
Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.
Firefighters were called to an allotment. They were dispatched to the allotments off Lorne Street, in Burslem.
The alarm was raised at 9pm on Sunday 19 April. But fire crews were unable to locate a fire.
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We were called to Lorne Street following reports of a fire in a metal bin within a nearby allotment. One crew attended. A search was carried out. No fire was located. We left the scene a short time later. The incident was deemed a false alarm with good intent.”
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The developer says the solar farm could generate 40 MW of electricity
A large solar farm could be built next to a country lane that was part of the 2025 Tour of Britain cycle race.
The developer said the project near Maulden, Bedfordshire could generate enough power for more than 13,000 homes.
Some of the people who live nearby said the solar farm would spoil the scenery and the site should be left as agricultural land.
The developer said the location was chosen for its distance from large numbers of houses and natural screening.
Limbersey Lane was part of the third stage of the 2025 men’s Tour of Britain between Milton Keynes and Ampthill.
The Greenstead Solar farm is planned for land near Haynes West End, alongside Limbersey Lane to the north of Maulden.
According to developer Brockwell Energy’s website, the development could cover about 75 hectares (185 acres) and generate up to 40 MW of electricity.
The company said this would be enough to power more than 13,000 homes.
Limbersey Lane was part of stage three of the Tour of Britain, which took riders through Woburn Abbey Deer Park
A spokesperson said: “The proposed site for Greenstead Solar was selected due to the offer of a viable grid connection, its location away from a large number of residents, and the availability of natural screening due to mature vegetation.”
However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said some local residents had raised concerns about the scale of the scheme and its potential impact on the surrounding countryside, including farmland, landscape and nearby woodland.
One resident said the proposals risked changing the character of the area, which they described as valued for its rural setting.
Posting on social media, another resident argued solar panels should be placed on retail and industrial buildings and car parks, rather than on farmland.
The construction phase is expected to last around 32 weeks, with minimal activity once the site becomes operational.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council in the summer.
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Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one
Deborah Dennis-Jones(Image: Funeral Notices)
Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.
Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling the team on 01482 908084.
Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.
Death Notices
Joyce ABRAHAM
Passed away at St George’s Court Care Home on Tuesday 31st March 2026, aged 95 years. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth. Loving mum to Linda, Claire, Ian, Keith (deceased), Bruce, and Lesley. Wonderful grandmother to all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Joyce will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral service to take place at Cambridge Crematorium, West Chapel on Monday 27th April at 3.15pm. Family flowers only but donations if desired for the benefit of Alzheimer’s Research UK may be made online via Joyce’s personal InMemory page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk. All other enquiries to 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA 01223 415255
Bernie CARTER (NÉE FERRIS)
(NÉE FERRIS) Of Peterborough. Passed away on Tuesday 31st March 2026 at Peterborough City Hospital, aged 61 years. Devoted Wife to Jon. Dearly loved Mother to Joseph and Samuel. Treasured Sister to Maria, Brenda, Tom, Eddie and Brian. Bernie shall be deeply missed by all. Funeral service to be held on Thursday 23rd April 2026 at Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge at 12:15pm followed by the committal at Fulbourn Parish Cemetery. The family welcome all floral tributes. All other enquiries to 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255
Deborah Elizabeth (Debbie) DENNIS-JONES
Passed away peacefully on Sunday 22nd March 2026 aged 76. Loving mum to Tim and Sarah. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Funeral to take place at St Andrew’s Church, Sutton on Tuesday 21st April 2026 at 13:30. Donations, should they be desired are for Cancer Research UK. All enquiries to Ely Funeral Service, 4 Tower Road, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4HW. Tel: 01353 666566
Helen Ruth GORDON
(née Lyttle) of Comberton, Cambridge, died peacefully on Thursday 26 March, 2026, aged 77 years. She was the much loved wife of Robert, mother of Graham, Claire and Alasdair, grandma to Eva and Sophia, and mother-in-law to Ruth and Suzi. A service of thanksgiving for Ruth’s life will be held at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, 40-43 St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge, on 29 April at 2.15 pm. Family flowers only, but donations in memory of Ruth may be made to Smile Train UK or Samaritan’s Purse UK, and can be forwarded via H. J. Paintin Ltd, 43 High Street, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4HS.
Anne Frances (Ward) LEONARD
Leonard, Anne Frances (nee Ward) of Sheringham, previously of Cambridge. Passed away March 17th 2026 aged 90 years. Beloved wife of Roger (dec) dear mum of Susan (dec), Alan, Brian and Karan (dec), mother-in-law to Stephen and Jane, grandmother and great-grandmother at the seaside. Anne’s funeral is at Cromer Crematorium on Friday 17th April 2026 at 1:30pm. Family flowers only but donations made payable to Lakeshore Health Care Limited can be sent c/o Blyth and Sons Funeral Directors, 4 Cremer Street, Sheringham, NR26 8DZ.
Margaret (Née Nichols) OCHOTNY (Betty)
(Betty) (Née Nichols) Of Fulbourn, passed away peacefully on Monday 30th March 2026, aged 94 years. Beloved wife of the late Zygmunt, devoted mother of Elizabeth, Ingrid, Anna, Ryszard and Janina, a much loved grandma, great grandma and aunt. Funeral Service at St. Vigor’s Church, Fulbourn on Wednesday 29th April at 12.00 noon, followed by burial at Fulbourn Cemetery. Traditional funeral dress preferred. All flowers may be sent c/o R. J. Pepper & Son Family Funeral Directors, 1, Telegraph Street, Cottenham, Cambridge, CB24 8QU Tel: 01954 251919
Sheila Ann SOLANKI
Passed away peacefully at Hunters Down Care Home. Beloved Mum, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends. Funeral service to take place on Thursday 30th April at 1.15pm at Huntingdon Crematorium, followed by burial at Sapley Road Cemetery. Family flowers only – donations if desired to Alzheimer’s Society. All enquiries to Central Coop Funeralcare 3 St Peters Road Huntingdon PE29 7AA Tel: 01480 410388
Anthony (Tony) STUBBINGS
(Tony ) Of Milton, passed away peacefully on April 6th 2026 aged 92 years. Beloved Husband of the late Brenda. Dearly loved Dad of Alison. Much loved Grandfather of James and Grace. Loving Great-Grandfather of Skye, Zach and Milo, also a dear Brother, Uncle and Father-In-Law. Funeral Service at All Saints Parish Church, Milton, on Friday May 1st 2026 at 2pm, followed by private cremation. Family flowers only, donations if desired made payable to The Scout Association, may be left at the service, or sent c/o F W Cook Funeral Service 49 Church Street, Willingham Cambs, CB24 5HS
In Memoriams
Robert (Rob) ARBON
Dearest Rob, 12th April 2016 – 10 years have passed. And we keep you close in our hearts and in our memories always. Jacqui, Kate, Mia, Izzy, Dolly, Mary, Jean; dear friends and all our families.
To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.
