A migrant wanted in connection with the brutal murder of an American mother in Ireland was in the country despite having his asylum application rejected, according to Irish media.
The man, described by Irish police as a “person of interest,” was in the process of appealing the asylum decision and was allowed to remain in the country when Jamey Carney, 43, was beaten and suffocated in her home in Killarney, County Kerry, the Irish Mirror reported.
Despite his status, the outlet said he was still in the possession of his passport and left Ireland on a flight to Istanbul, Turkey, before Carney’s body was discovered Tuesday, triggering an international manhunt and a murder investigation.
It is unclear when his asylum application was refused or why it was denied. Irish police have refused to name the man.
American citizen Jamey Carney, left, and Inch Beach in County Kerry, Ireland, a popular tourist destination on the country’s scenic southwest coast near Killarney.(Jamey Carney/Facebook; Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images)
The reports are likely to intensify scrutiny of Ireland’s asylum system and why the man remained in the country after reportedly being denied asylum.
The Irish Mirror reported the Jordanian national had arrived in Ireland in 2024 and been living in a state-run migrant shelter in the idyllic town before spending increasing amounts of time at Carney’s home after they became romantically involved.
He first arrived in the United Kingdom before traveling through Northern Ireland and eventually settling in County Kerry, according to the Irish Mirror.
His social media accounts contain posts from the United Kingdom and Turkey in recent years.
Carney’s social media profiles described her as a “New Yorker in Ireland” and showed her with a man she identified as her partner and writing that they were a “mixed couple.” Multiple Irish media outlets have identified the man as the person police are seeking, though Irish police have not publicly confirmed his identity or reported immigration status.
Fox News Digital asked Irish police and the Department of Justice to confirm reports that he had been refused asylum and was appealing that decision. Neither agency confirmed the reports.
American citizen Jamey Carney, left, and members of Ireland’s national police force, An Garda Síochána, patrol Grafton Street in Dublin in a file photo. Irish police have faced criticism for not publicly identifying the person of interest in Carney’s murder.(Jamey Carney/Facebook; Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Detectives believe Carney died around 11 p.m. Monday, roughly 14 hours before her body was discovered, according to The Irish Independent.
Her body was found on Tuesday at around 1:30 p.m. local time by her 13-year-old daughter.
By that time, the man had boarded a flight to Istanbul having traveled 200 miles by bus to Dublin Airport.
Despite the manhunt entering its sixth day, police have yet to name or provide any details about the person on the run, drawing criticism on both sides of the Atlantic. Irish police said that investigators are working with international law enforcement partners as the murder investigation continues.
Detectives issued alerts to airports, ports, train stations and bus stations within just over an hour of Carney’s body being discovered, The Irish Independent reported. However, by then, the man had already left Ireland.
According to the Irish Mirror, investigators now fear he may already have traveled onward to his home country of Jordan, which does not have an extradition treaty with Ireland.
A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital the search is expected to be difficult because the man had a significant head start before investigators were alerted to Carney’s death.
The entrance to the Homeland housing estate off Muckross Road in Killarney, County Kerry, where American citizen Jamey Carney was found dead at her home. Irish police have launched a murder investigation.(Google Maps)
Arsenal want to sign Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, Aston Villa hijack Newcastle‘s move for Johan Manzambi, and Pep Guardiola is on the shortlist to become Italy manager
Arsenalare attempting to sign Atletico Madrid and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, 26, before pre-season begins. (Independent), external
Bayern Munich remain confident they will tie England striker Harry Kane, 32, down to a new long-term contract despite growing interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid. (TeamTalk), external
Sunderland are aiming to make Roma’s 23-year-old Argentinian winger Matias Soule their first signing of the summer. He is valued at around €35m (£30m) (Northern Echo), external
The Israeli military has released video showing huge explosions and detonations in villages in southern Lebanon. Israel says they were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and tunnels. Meanwhile a US military delegation has met with Lebanon’s army in Beirut to discuss Israel’s planned withdrawal from a ‘pilot zone’ in occupied territory.
Speaking two or more languages may help slow brain aging, according to new research.
The study, presented at the 2026 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies Forum, found that people who spoke multiple languages appeared to have younger brains than those who spoke only one language.
Researchers analyzed brain activity from hundreds of people in Spain’s Basque region who spoke between one and four languages, including Spanish, Basque, French and English. They used artificial intelligence to estimate each participant’s “brain age” based on patterns of brain connectivity.
The researchers found that bilingual participants had brains that appeared about six years younger than those of monolingual participants. People who spoke three languages had brains that appeared about seven years younger, while those who spoke four languages had brains that appeared roughly 13 years younger.
The findings also suggested that people who learned a second language earlier in life and became highly fluent experienced greater benefits.
Speaking more than one language could help keep the brain younger as people age, according to new research.(iStock)
Dr. Tommy Wood, a neuroscientist, performance consultant and author of “The Stimulated Mind: Future-Proof Your Brain from Dementia and Stay Sharp at Any Age,” said the findings support earlier research showing that speaking multiple languages may help protect cognitive function as people age.
“Most of the evidence for the benefit of learning multiple languages comes from individuals who grew up bilingual or learned multiple languages in childhood,” Wood, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital.
He said adults who didn’t grow up speaking more than one language should not assume it’s too late to benefit.
Researchers analyzed brain activity from hundreds of people who spoke between one and four languages, using artificial intelligence to estimate how old their brains appeared based on patterns of brain connectivity.(iStock)
“There’s no clear cutoff in age where learning a second language would no longer be beneficial,” Wood said.
Several randomized controlled trials involving older adults have found improvements in attention, working memory and executive function after just a few months of language learning, he said.
Beyond improving cognitive function, Wood said learning a new language can also help people stay socially engaged and strengthen the brain’s ability to absorb new information.
He encouraged adults not to be discouraged by making mistakes while learning.
Experts say learning a new language can help people stay socially engaged while supporting brain health.(iStock)
“It’s also important to lean into the process of being a beginner,” Wood said.
“Making mistakes is one of the biggest drivers of neuroplasticity and learning,” he said. “If you do choose to learn a new language, get stuck in, challenge yourself and embrace the occasional failure. You’ll actually learn faster as a result.”
The researchers acknowledged several limitations to the study.
While they accounted for factors such as age, sex and education, they said they could not rule out the influence of other factors, including lifestyle and social engagement, that may have affected the findings.
Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
Britney Spears has spoken out after fans raised concerns over photos of the singer hanging out of a moving SUV on a Los Angeles freeway.
The pop star, 44, was photographed standing through an open sunroof on a black Mercedes SUV in traffic on the 101 Freeway near LA’s Studio City neighborhood. Outlets, including the Daily Mail and Page Six, published photos the photos on July 8 and cited concern from fans.
Spears told fans “nothing is what it seems” in a caption shared on Instagram alongside an image of her on the freeway.
“What people see is two seconds of insanity of me arching me to the lords !!!!! yet the days and hours of my reality !!!!!! Nothing is what it seems,” she wrote. “Psss I think I need to come out of the roof quite a bit more.”
The Independent has contacted Spears’ representatives for comment.
Britney Spears told fans on Instagram that ‘nothing is what it seems’ in response to photos of her riding on a LA freeway (Instagram via @britneyspears)
The star’s rep told The Independent after the arrestthat “long overdue change” needed to occur in the singer’s life.
“Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” the statement continued. “Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being.”
Spears pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in May, and her publicist said that ‘long overdue change’ needed to occur in her life (Invision/AP)
Weeks later, the singer made a social media post about her “spiritual journey” and meeting “many new beautiful people” in a new chapter of her life.
“I’m so damn thankful to my friends and so many new beautiful people I have met through my spiritual journey… all a blessing in disguise,” she said at the time.
She said she still has to learn how to “be kind to myself and the way I speak to myself.”
“It’s a never ending journey and sometimes I just stop, look up and say wow God I think that was you and smile on!!!!” she continued.
In June, Spears’ adult sons Sean Preston Federline and Jayden James Federline both made their modeling debuts on the Paris Fashion Week runway for the Vetements Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 show.
Their mom wasn’t at the show but the pair told Vogue that she had been “nervous” for them and that she had sent them flowers to wish them luck.
The singer has largely stepped back from her music career, having not toured in nearly eight years or released an album in almost a decade.
Her conservatorship, which lasted almost 14 years, was dissolved in 2021, allowing her to regain control of her life and finances. She later published the bestselling memoir, The Woman in Me.
Will Cain presents never-before-seen footage from the Fox Nation documentary, ‘UFC Fight House: The Making of the Biggest Fight in History.’ The exclusive clip features President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White as they meticulously prepare for their iconic walkout at the White House, highlighting the unique planning and intricate details behind the historic event.
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Conor McGregor couldn’t believe his five-year return to the octagon ended the way it did on Saturday night in UFC 329 against Max Holloway.
But Joe Rogan said it was a “crazy” move that he tried in the opening round that cost him.
“He just tried a crazy move. He tried a jumping roundhouse kick,” Rogan said during the UFC broadcast after the main event ended. “… if you don’t land in a good way, with a supporting way, you put so much pressure on that knee. He landed with his knee in the worst position.”
Conor McGregor of Ireland reacts after an injury stoppage in a welterweight fight during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on July 11, 2026.(Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
McGregor’s kick attempt clearly hurt him, as he immediately grabbed his knee after Holloway evaded the strike. McGregor tried to keep fighting, but referee Mike Beltran called the fight after he tried another kick and clearly couldn’t land properly.
“He blew his ACL out with the very first move that he did,” Rogan suggested. “It sucks, but it’s just, you don’t do that.”
After speaking with doctors, UFC president Dana White said McGregor tore his ACL. Scans on McGregor’s knee will need to confirm the diagnosis.
Daniel Cormier, the ex-MMA fighter-turned-broadcaster, added that McGregor’s long absence from the sport could’ve contributed to the injury.
“When you’ve been away from that for so long, and you come back in there, it’s like you’re shot out of a cannon,” Cormier explained.
“So, you see these guys that have been gone for a long time do things that doesn’t make sense. And I think that’s what happened to Conor.”
Conor McGregor kicks Max Holloway in a welterweight fight at UFC 329 on Saturday in Las Vegas.(John Locher/AP)
McGregor was dejected after Beltran called the match, and understandably so. It was the 37-year-old’s first fight since he faced off against Dustin Poirier on July 10, 2021.
After the loss, McGregor posted a gut-wrenching tweet, saying he was completely healthy before the match.
“My head gasket is gone. Destroyed,” he wrote. “I had no injury/injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”
Joe Rogan announces the fights during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on July 11, 2026.(Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Rogan also suggested that McGregor was trying to showcase no fear with his signature kicks with his surgically-repaired left leg. Either way, it cost the Irishman in the end.
McGregor’s UFC career record is now 22-7 after this TKO finish.
At least 27 people have been killed in a fire that tore through a bar in Bangkok, Thailand’s prime minister has said.
Firefighters were called to the scene just after midnight and discovered patrons fleeing through the flame-enveloped front door of the venue.
Footage posted on X shows flames blasting out of the bar as people run out, some screaming, and some falling over. At least two people appear to be on fire.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told journalists at the scene that 27 bodies have been recovered, and others have been taken to hospital. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, he said.
The prime minister told reporters that he asked a musician, who was performing when the fire started, what happened.
“He said that there was a fire at the cut-out switch, and after that things happened very quickly. There was blasting and everybody tried to flee from the smoke and flames.
“Many of them were not able to make their way out because they went to the back of the building and tried to hide themselves from the smoke and flames in the toilet, and that’s where we found most of the bodies.”
The bar – named locally as Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao – is located in the Chatuchak District of Bangkok. It is a popular restaurant and entertainment venue in the area, Thai outlet the Daily News reported, external.
Firefighters were reportedly able to bring the flames under control in about half an hour.
Pictures from inside the bar afterwards show it completely charred and blackened, with the ceiling peeling off.
The sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham prompted condolences from President Donald Trump, world leaders, and a bipartisan list of the influential veteran South Carolina lawmaker’s congressional colleagues.
Graham died from a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday night at 71 years old, according to a statement released by his office.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead!” Trump said on social media on Sunday morning. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
Sen. Lindsey Graham stands next to former President Donald Trump, during Donald Trump’s campaign stop to unveil his leadership team, at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, South Carolina, January 28, 2023.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
The flags above the White House, as well as on the White House North Lawn flagpole, were lowered to half-staff in honor of Graham, who was a staunch ally of President Trump. He later announced on his social media platform that he is ordering “all American flags” throughout the country to be lowered to half-staff until Saturday, July 18 at 6 p.m.
“Jill and I are shocked by the sudden passing of Lindsey Graham,” former President Joe Biden said in a statement Sunday.
“Lindsey and I served together in Congress for over a decade, and worked closely on many issues throughout the years. We traveled the world together as members of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. We disagreed often, and sometimes loudly,” Biden wrote. “Lindsey and I did agree on the profound importance of public service. Like me, he loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities.”
“To his family, his staff, his constituents in South Carolina, and everyone who loved him: Jill and I are keeping you in our prayers,” Biden’s statement concluded.
Sen. Lindsey Graham speaks to the press alongside President Donald Trump, surrounded by members of Congress, after Trump signed a funding bill to end a partial government shutdown in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Feb. 3, 2026.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Vice President JD Vance, who served in the Senate with Graham from 2023 to 2025, described Graham as a “one-of-a-kind figure in our politics,” while also acknowledging their “disagreements.”
“Lindsey Graham came from humble beginnings and became one of the most powerful lawmakers in the most powerful nation on Earth. His story was a fundamentally American one,” Vance said.
Vance recalled getting into heated disagreements with Graham, but said, “I couldn’t help but like him.”
“He fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted,” Vance said.
Sen. Lindsey Graham speaks to reporters, on the day of classified briefings for the full U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on the situation in Iran, on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 3, 2026.
Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
Graham’s death came after he returned home from his 10th visit to Ukraine, where he met on Friday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Graham and a bipartisan group of senators announced on Friday a deal with the White House on a Russian sanctions bill that Graham had long championed.
In a statement on social media Sunday, Zelenskyy said he was “deeply saddened” by the news of Graham’s death and praised the senator as “a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
Ukrainian’s President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with Sen. Lindsey Graham in Kyiv, July 10, 2026.
Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via AFP via Getty Images
“He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia’s full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed,” Zelenskyy said. “We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week.”
Zelenskyy said Graham had been working on “important initiatives that could help bring peace closer.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham answer media questions near damaged Russian vehicles exhibition in central Kyiv, July 10, 2026.
Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo
“America and the world have lost a determined leader,” Zelenskyy said.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said he and his family were “devastated” by Graham’s passing.
“The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend. … We shall not see his likes again,” McMaster said in a post on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Graham a “beloved friend” and said “America has lost a great patriot” with his passing.
Graham was a strong advocate of the Trump administration’s support of Israel during its war against Hamas in Gaza and also supported President Trump on the war in Iran.
South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott became emotional when reminiscing about Graham on ABC’s “This Week,” telling co-anchor Martha Raddatz, “Lindsey Graham was irreplaceable.”
South Carolina Republican Sens. Tim Scott, left, and Lindsey Graham stand on stage before then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a primary election night party at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina on Feb. 24, 2024.
Andrew Harnik/AP
“I will always remember Lindsey Graham as a guy who was, as soon as I was appointed to the Senate, he embraced my candidacy for re-election. He was there on the campaign trail with me,” said Scott, who served with Graham for 13 years in the Senate. “To my family, he became a friend. He was one of only three or four senators I invited to my wedding because Lindsey Graham had become a part of the family. And it is a rare thing in politics, a rare thing in life, to find people who are actually your friend.”
Rep. Jim Clyburn, a longtime Democratic representative from South Carolina, also expressed condolences to Graham’s family, writing in a social media post that he and Graham “maintained a relationship grounded in mutual respect, even when our political differences were significant.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham speaks to reporters as he arrives at the Capitol during the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress, in Washington, Jan. 27, 2020.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
“His commitment to public service and the people he represented will remain an enduring part of his legacy,” Clyburn said.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., recalled Graham as “a man who loved his work, his country, and his family. “
“Lindsey had a zest for life and the Senate that made you want to get to work on a bill with him or at least debate him. He brought joy to his job,” Klobuchar said.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said in a statement that he was just with Graham at last week’s NATO summit in Turkey.
“At a private dinner at the Ambassador’s residence, he was working every senator on a strategy to end the war in Ukraine. Typical Lindsey,” Durbin said. “Lindsey was part of every important policy issue and an indispensable player in every Senate ‘gang.’ He was a fierce Republican partisan one day and a key bipartisan ally the next.”
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a social media statement that he was “heartbroken” to hear of Graham’s death.
“Lindsey and I disagreed on plenty over the years, but I never doubted his love for this country or his commitment to serving it. He was a fierce advocate for the causes he believed in, especially our nation’s security and the men and women of our armed forces,” Warner said in a statement
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a statement that Graham “believed and advocated tirelessly for American strength and exceptionalism.”
“He served his country throughout his life – from the U.S. Air Force, to the S.C. House, to the U.S. House, to the U.S. Senate,” Johnson said.
St Helens slipped out of the Super League top six with a stunning home defeat by buoyant Toulouse.
Paul Rowley’s side paid a heavy price for last week’s bruising loss against rivals Wigan Warriors, with five of their six starting forwards from that game missing because of injury. Academy products Matty Evans and Chris Matagi were handed senior debuts.
Toulouse went into the game after putting 60 points past Catalans Dragons in the French derby. They showed that was no one-off display, producing a scintillating eight-try performance that led to boos from the fans at the BrewDog Stadium at the final hooter.
Mathieu Jussaume led the way with a hat-trick, but it was full-back Olly Ashall-Bott who really caught the eye with a masterclass, creating five tries.
The impressive win against Catalans ended a run of three straight defeats for Toulouse. With two consecutive victories now, they have lifted themselves four places to ninth.
They now look like a formidable outfit, becoming the first team to keep Saints down to nil on their home turf in the Super League era.
Saints were in disarray from the start, their weakened pack struggling to contain the rampant French outfit and the dancing feet and sharp hands of Ashall-Bott, while they added to their troubles with a series of unforced errors.
The first came when they dropped the ball inside their own 20 and Jussaume took advantage to open the scoring, and he then added his second after Ashall-Bott had made a telling break.
Jake Shorrocks converted both and added a penalty, and Saints looked up against it, their frustration showing as Daniel Suluka-Fifita was placed on report for an off-the-ball shoulder barge on Brendan Hands.
Shorrocks took advantage of more indiscipline by kicking another penalty, and when Ashall-Bott’s tricky kick took a nasty bounce past Owen Dagnall, Henry O’Kane made it a 20-point gap at half-time.
Saints tried to respond in the fierce heat, but Toulouse defended superbly and then struck again, Ashall-Bott wriggling through a gap and then sending over Wigan loanee Tiaki Chan for a try that really rubbed salt into Saints’ wounds.
A knee injury to Owen Dagnall piled on the misery for Rowley’s team, and when three Saints defenders watched a Shorrocks high kick bounce, Toulouse pounced again, with Ashall-Bott’s slick pass over the top giving winger Paul Ulberg an easy finish.
The visitors were hungry for more as Saints seemed to give up, with Chan dashing down the blindside to send Romeo Tropis over for another, before more Ashall-Bott magic freed Jussaume for his third, and Benjamin Laguerre added a late eighth try.
The margin of defeat meant Saints dropped below Leigh Leopards into seventh place.
Britain is bracing for another scorching weekend, with the Met Office describing the ongoing conditions as “truly historic”.
This season has already seen temperatures shatter records across the country.
The prolonged heatwave, following a record warm spring for England and Wales, has intensified strain on water supplies, leading to widespread hosepipe bans.
Restrictions came into force on Friday for approximately one million Southern Water customers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Anglian Water’s five million customers in the east of England faced similar restrictions from 1am on Saturday. Cambridge Water announced a temporary hosepipe ban for its 350,000 customers, effective immediately from Thursday, with enforcement beginning next Friday.
This marks the first such restriction for the company in three decades. South East Water was the first to implement a ban on 3 July for parts of Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, and Tunbridge Wells.
How can I get to sleep in hot weather?
Getting to sleep during a heatwave can seem like an impossible task, particularly when you don’t have access to air conditioning – but there are steps you can take to get a good night’s sleep.
Julie Gooderick, an “extreme environments” expert at the University of Brighton, says it is key to set your environment before sleeping.
The ideal room temperature for sleeping is around 18-21C, she says, and to avoid your bedroom becoming too hot she advises using fans, opening windows at night, and keeping curtains closed during the day.
She also advises using a thin sheet instead of your regular duvet, avoiding napping during the day, and cooling your body down as much as possible – this can be done using cooling pads, a cold shower, or even putting your pyjamas in the freezer a few hours before bedtime.
It’s important to get plenty of fluids to avoid heatstroke or heat exhaustion (Getty/iStock)
How can I avoid heatstroke?
Extreme hot weather poses the risk of conditions such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion, which can sometimes be fatal. Each year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sees excess deaths during periods of extreme hot weather.
Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids and try to avoid the sun (and physical exertion outdoors) between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.
The UKHSA advises people to walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly, and wear a wide-brimmed hat in the heat, and to make sure fridges and freezers are working properly.
How can I help someone experiencing heat exhaustion?
Some people are more vulnerable than others in the heat, particularly those who are aged 75 or older, people with serious health conditions, and those who are unable to keep themselves cool.
Ensure you check in on those who live alone, and be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion – these can include dizziness and confusion, a headache and a high temperature.
If you notice someone is experiencing the symptoms of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down – make sure they are drinking enough water, lie them down and move them to a cold place if possible.
(AFP/Getty)
How can I keep my baby cool in hot weather?
It is essential to avoid babies becoming dehydrated and overexposed to sunlight – regularly apply sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and keep their faces cool with a wide-brimmed sun hat.
Babies less than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight, the NHS says, and older babies should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible.
Sleep consultant and CEO of Just Chill Mama, Rosey Davidson, advises putting bottles of frozen water in front of a fan to achieve “a mini air con solution” to help babies sleep when it is hot outside.
“You can also hang a wet towel over a chair – pre-freezing this in your freezer helps – the evaporating water cools the air,” she adds. “If it is very hot in your baby’s room they can just sleep in a vest or nappy.”
Save the Children has previously published a list of tips to keep children safe and entertained on hot days:
Staying in the house with the curtains drawn and the fans on is a great way to ward off the heat, but being stuck at home all day could make children become anxious or restless.
Save the Children recommends finding ways to have fun and encourage play indoors, such as dressing up, making dens in the living room or painting and drawing.
Playing in a paddling pool is also a good way to keep children cool in the garden, but the charity suggests ensuring the pool is kept under the shade when the weather is hot.
In order to ward off any stress your child may be feeling from the hot weather, Save the Children also urges parents and caregivers to keep calm and answer kids’ questions openly and honestly.
One way to maintain a sense of order and structure is to stick to regular bath and sleep times for your child.
It is crucial that children are never left alone in a parked car (Getty Images)
Keeping cool on the move
It is paramount that children are never left unsupervised in parked cars.
Even in a less threatening climate, vehicles can rapidly heat up to dangerous temperatures, and leaving your child inside puts them at risk of severe heat-related illness or death, even if the windows are cracked open, the charity warns.
Another vital tip is to ensure you choose your child’s clothing appropriately. Lightweight, light-coloured, and breathable fabrics such as cotton are your best options.
It is also vital to ensure your child is covered top-to-toe in broad-spectrum sunscreen with protection from both UVA and UVB sun rays. This will ensure your child from both the heat and potential sun-related skin damage.
Hats and umbrellas can also be used to limit exposure to harmful rays.
Also make sure to tune in to local news and weather channels for health, safety and weather-related updates, including heat warnings, watches and advisories before setting off.
Drink lots of fluids and get lots of rest
Regardless of your activity level, whether that be a water fight in the garden or a puzzle in the living room, remember to drink plenty of liquids. Fluids should be drunk before, during and after being exposed to extreme heat.
Save the Children also recommends checking your baby’s nappy for concentrated or dark in colour urine, which can indicate dehydration.
Hot meals are also best avoided when the temperatures are especially high.
Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.
Pay special attention to the needs of babies
Save the Children suggests giving your baby a cool bath before bedtime, keep nightwear to a minimum and if your baby kicks and pushes off covers during the night consider putting them in just a nappy with a single well-secured sheet, that will not work loose, cover their face or get entangled during the night.
Your baby will sleep most comfortably at room temperature between 16C and 20C, a nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of the baby’s room.
Pets are also at risk when the mercury soars (Getty/iStock)
How can I keep my pets safe in the heat?
Not just babies struggle with the heat – pets are also at risk in extreme temperatures.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) advises dog owners to walk their pets in the morning or evening when it is cooler, and to ensure they have enough shade and water.
You can also keep them cool with pet-friendly frozen treats, and pet-safe sun cream is also available.
Never leave pets alone in parked cars, and make sure you are aware of the key signs of heatstroke – symptoms in dogs and cats can include panting, diarrhoea and restlessness.
Should I exercise in a heatwave?
Avoid extreme physical activity during the hottest parts of the day, but there are ways to exercise safely during the heatwave.
Try to do so during the cooler hours – in the early morning or evening – and ensure you take enough water.
Going for a swim can be a good way to cool down, but make sure to do so in safe, lifeguarded sites.
“People will want to cool down but don’t dive into open water as it’s colder than it looks,” the London Fire Brigade warns. “There is the risk of cold water shock, which can cause your body to go into shock no matter how fit you are.”
