3rd October - Today's News: Warmest September in Parts of Europe & Japan

It was the joint-warmest September on record for UK - and the warmest on record for England and Wales.

Meanwhile Autumn heat continues in Europe after record-breaking September with the temperatures in Spain shatter records as October kicks off

Moscow records Hottest September Since 1847 - but only the 3rd warmest since records began

In North America, a historic, record-shattering heatwave is forecast for the Midwest this week as an early fall heat wave brings 30 C temperatures to Ontario, heat warnings to the province's northwest

Japan logs hottest September on record; 2.66 C higher than average

And Australia records driest September as fires rage in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania

Some (distant) rumbles of thunder yesterday afternoon/early evening mean it's now seven consecutive months with thunder being heard in Evesham - a record, I think; it's been the most thundery year I can remember.   Many years we only get 5 or 6 days in total!.   Yesterday's storms did mostly miss the town, but elsewhere there was an explosion at Oxfordshire recycling plant after lightning strike and a boy struck by lightning at Hertford school football match

Tropical Storm Philippe brings heavy rain and flooding to Caribbean islands

Malaysia prepares to make rain, close schools as haze worsens

Taiwan braces for strong wind and rain as Typhoon Koinu approaches the island

Another powerful earthquake rattles Italian city of Naples with rubble crashing down on cars amid growing fears of huge volcanic eruption

And the James Webb telescope makes 'JuMBO' discovery of planet-like objects in Orion - the nebula is designated M42 and some reports say 42 pairs of planets have been found.  Douglas Adams would have been most intrigued .....