Weather

The island offers warmth and sunshine, cheap drinks and budget flights, making it the perfect February getaway from the UK’s winter chill and unbearable cold snaps.

As Britain’s temperatures plunge into an icy stranglehold, countless people are seeking warm destinations for a swift escape.

For those eyeing seaside spots to thaw out, look no further – we’ve found the ideal location for your February break.

Offering year-round sunshine, pleasant 20C warmth, pints for £1.30 and direct flights starting at just £18, this sun-drenched European island ticks every box – stunning coastlines, mild climate, excellent dining and drinking establishments, and plenty of leisure pursuits.

Being the fourth largest island in Spain’s hugely popular Canary Islands archipelago, Lanzarote is a stunning destination. Featuring volcanic black sand shores in certain areas and dramatic rocky terrain elsewhere, the island’s geography encompasses the Famara mountain chain to the north and Ajaches in the south.

Rich in geological heritage, the striking black sand coastlines of Playa de Janubio and Playa de El Golfo are spectacular, whilst the resort destinations of Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca rank amongst Lanzarote’s finest locations.

Arrecife, Lanzarote’s capital city, represents another major attraction, reports the Express.

With average February temperatures hitting 20C, Lanzarote offers a perfectly temperate retreat, frequently dubbed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’.

At present, an easyJet service to Lanzarote departing London’s Luton Airport on February 7 costs merely £17.99, covering one small cabin bag.

Journey time is four hours. Air fares aren’t the only bargains to be found in Lanzarote – for a mere £1.30, tourists can savour a pint on this stunning Canary island, according to Introducing Lanzarote.

Lanzarote’s all-inclusive hotels are hugely favoured by cash-conscious travellers, whilst premium choices await those willing to splash out.

A blend of bustling holiday destinations and tranquil countryside settlements forms the island’s social tapestry, guaranteeing something to suit every preference.

The island’s distinctive terrain presents another draw for visitors – featuring peaks, enormous volcanic craters, crimson landscapes, ebony sand shores, sparkling turquoise waters, pristine white coastlines, and the crowning glory – an active volcano named Mount Timanfaya showcasing lava fields formed hundreds of years ago.

For leisure pursuits, this compact island offers plenty of excitement, with pastimes including surfing, underwater exploration, kiteboarding, and windsurfing proving hit attractions amongst visitors.

Numerous child-friendly shores dot Lanzarote, particularly suited to youngsters who remain protected from powerful tides and swells at these locations, plus magnificent natural swimming holes formed from volcanic crater flows and eruptions.

Vibrant harbours and expansive coastal stretches, ideal for those who relish lengthy seaside strolls whilst waves thunder nearby, feature across Lanzarote.

Celebrated for its oceanic cuisine, Lanzarote is renowned for its succulent prawns, squid, octopus, and tuna, plus the Spanish classic dish of paella. Holidaymakers searching for that ideal winter getaway – Lanzarote could well be the destination for you.

Jan. 30 (UPI) — Frigid temperatures have delayed NASA’s preparations for its wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II launch, the space agency announced Friday.

NASA was expected to begin the tanking operation Saturday night in preparation for a possible Feb. 6 or Feb. 7 launch date, but those “are no longer viable opportunities,” a release said.

The agency now expects to set Monday as the tanking day with an earliest possible launch set for Feb. 8 at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Tanking operations involve loading propellants into a fuel tank near the launch pad. The outdoor temperature plays a crucial role in that process — it can’t be below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 30 consecutive minutes. The overall average temperature must be above 41 degrees for the rehearsal and launch, WESH-TV in Orlando, Fla., reported.

AccuWeather forecasters said temperatures were expected to plummet this weekend to levels not seen since 1966 in some areas. Temperatures between 20 degrees to 30 degrees were expected Sunday morning in Cape Canaveral.

“Adjusting the timeline for the rest will position NASA for success during the rehearsal, as the expected weather this weekend would violate launch conditions,” a release from NASA said.

In the meantime, the Artemis II crew members are expected to stay in quarantine in Houston. The crew includes Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and the Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist.

Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission aboard its deep space rocket, the Space Launch System, and Orion spacecraft. It’s the second flight of the SLS and the first crewed mission near the moon since 1972.

Over 10 days, Artemis II will travel around the moon and back to Earth as the crew tests whether the spacecraft operates as it should in deep space. The long-term goal of the Artemis program is reestablish a human presence on the moon in preparation for the ultimate aim of putting a human on Mars.

NASA has shared a live stream of the launch pad on YouTube as it prepares for the wet dress rehearsal launch.

The star told what lay behind her dropping one and a half dress sizes reaching a svelt size eight

Carol Kirkwood is well known in front of the camera. As a BBC weather anchor and best selling author she was known for her curvy figure and had even spoken of plans to lose weight.

However, it took something out of her control for the pounds to suddenly drop off. It was at the start of 2025 that she suddenly found herself struck down by a “terrible” illness which led her to drop around one and half dress sizes.

The now 63-year-old developed a tough bout of food poisoning which saw her losing weight and led to a complete switch in her lifestyle. This not only changed her eating habits but transformed her complete outlook on life and what she ate.

The presenter announced on Tuesday she is quitting the broadcaster after more than 25 years to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall, who she married in 2023. She said the two have been “like ships that pass in the night” thanks to her early starts.

But she previously told how her life changed after suffering food poisoning. She told OK magazine: “Afterwards, I just ate two slices of toast for two days and I wasn’t hungry.

“I’m a snacker. I love chocolate, a glass of wine, crisps, and I thought, ‘Right, you don’t need all this food’. Now I eat when I’m hungry rather than just eating because I can.”

The star did not say how much weight she’s lost saying at the time “my weight is a state secret” but admitted that she was “probably a dress size-and-a-half” smaller. She said she now fitted comfortably into a size 10, and sometimes even an eight.

She said: “I’ve got lots of clothes from years of doing telly. When I couldn’t get into them, I put them away. Now I can. It feels like I’ve got a whole new wardrobe, but I don’t. It’s old clothes that I’m wearing again.”

Carol said she had now discovered how to balance what she ate. She said: “I’ve done every single diet going but now I’m not depriving myself of anything. If I want a piece of chocolate, I’ll have it, but then I actually don’t. It’s like somebody’s flipped a switch in my head.

She told how her day starts at 2.45am. She added: “By 9.30am, if I’m a bit peckish, I’ll have an apple or a banana, then, after my shift, I get home and eat whatever the dickens I want, perhaps a toasted pitta with rocket, tomatoes, sweetcorn, peppers and chicken. In the evening, I might have another pitta with hummus, or some peppers with hummus and, because I’m eating this way, I’m not hungry between meals any more.”

She also was quick to quash any rumours that she had used weight-loss injections. She said: “I have had a couple of emails saying, ‘It’s obvious you’re doing this.’ Each to their own. If somebody wants to do that, I’m not going to judge them — it’s their bodies, their life — but I’m glad I’m doing it this way,” she insists.

The star will leave the BBC in April and today explained her reason behind the decision. She told presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay: “I love my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job. More than everyone, I should say.

“We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re ships that pass in the night so I’m so looking forward to [spending more time together]. The future is rosy and the time is right, absolutely right for me to go.”

After starting her BBC presenting career on the News channel, Kirkwood went on to appear regularly on BBC One. She has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2010.

As well as fronting the daily bulletins, Kirkwood often presented the weather on location, including from Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and royal events. She has also reported for The One Show and competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, reaching week eight with her partner Pasha Kovalev.

The islands are becoming the go-to winter sun destination for UK travellers, with easyJet launching direct flights from London Gatwick and some regional airports

Many of us are well and truly fed up with the January weather, and with warmer days in the UK still a long way off, it may be time to spoil yourself with a winter sun holiday.

Luckily, you don’t have to go long haul to get some warm weather this time of year. Options such as the Canary Islands are popular, but if you want somewhere a bit more off-the-beaten track, then another set of islands are becoming increasingly popular.

Cape Verde has warm weather year-round, and in the next couple of weeks, daytime highs will reach 24C, making it warmer than Tenerife at 20C. With flights clocking in at around six hours, you don’t need to spend an entire day on a plane to enjoy its long days of sunshine.

The islands that make up Cape Verde include Sal and Boa Vista, with the largest airport where most Brits arrive on Sal. Budget airline easyJet launched flights to the archipelago back in March 2025, with the route marking the airline’s first foray into Sub-Saharan Africa. It also became easyJet’s longest route at the time. The airline went on to launch a route from Manchester, and from May 1, passengers will also be able to fly from Bristol.

TUI also flies to the island from the same airports and also offers routes from Birmingham, Glasgow, and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. A seasonal service from the East Midlands is also available to book on dates from April 29.

The islands, positioned off Africa’s west coast, attracted roughly 1.2 million tourists in 2024. However, this figure pales in comparison to the Canaries’ visitor numbers. Tenerife alone drew approximately seven million holidaymakers during the same period, giving Cape Verde a decidedly less crowded atmosphere.

The islands’ biggest selling point is undoubtedly the delightful climate. While February is still winter in Cape Verde, temperatures routinely reach 27 °C during the day, with six to eight hours of sunshine and minimal rainfall. In contrast, Tenerife hovers between 17C and 22C during this period, enjoying roughly six hours of sun, but conditions can be overcast with brief showers.

Flying with easyJet will land you in Sal, an island characterised by its volcanic desert terrain. The majority of holidaymakers stay in Santa Maria on the southern coast, famed for its expansive golden beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters. The resort town has a laid-back atmosphere, with streets adorned by swaying palm trees.

After dusk, the area comes alive with vibrant nightlife featuring live performances and beachfront bars. Travellers can enjoy windsurfing, take boat trips to look for sharks, or explore the disused Pedra Lume salt mine nestled within a dormant volcano. Guests can explore the historical mining site before indulging in a rejuvenating mud treatment and float in the salty pools, which are reputed to leave skin feeling wonderfully soft.

Of course, there’s no obligation to remain on Sal throughout your holiday. A three-hour ferry journey connects you to Boa Vista, home to a selection of resorts. This quieter island boasts stunning, pristine beaches where lucky visitors might see turtles emerging from the ocean.

Take a quad bike expedition across the arid wilderness, or set sail aboard a catamaran to discover the finest coastal spots. On the island’s northern tip, you’ll also find the wrecked MS Cabo Santa Maria, which has remained grounded in these waters since 1968, providing a fascinating backdrop for photographs.

EasyJet Holidays‘ Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Bixby, previously said in a statement: “Cape Verde is a fantastic destination, providing year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches. That’s why we’re thrilled to be offering our brilliant package holidays, whether it’s a family looking for a resort to enjoy with kids, or a couple looking for adults-only luxury, we have a great range of fantastic resorts across the island of Sal.”

Accommodation options vary from budget-friendly basics to luxurious all-inclusive properties. The Meliá Llana Beach Resort and Spa, an adults-only venue with all-inclusive packages, boasts outstanding reviews. One satisfied guest said: “The resort itself is beautiful, a true oasis of tranquillity and style.” The property also features swim-up rooms for a luxury stay.

For families, the Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort sits in an enviable spot on the vibrant Ponta Sino, a popular destination for kitesurfers. A guest praised their experience: “A lovely stay at Hilton Sal Cabo Verde and would certainly return again. Great location and friendly staff. Extremely clean and good choice of food. Rooms are a great size with comfy beds.”

EasyJet operates flights from London Gatwick to Sal three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with February fares starting from £148.99 one-way. Current holiday packages feature a seven-night all-inclusive getaway at Sol Dunas Family Fun, departing February 3 from Manchester, priced from £737 per person, based on two adults sharing a double room and using code BIGSALE.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A huge winter storm brought frigid temperatures, snow, and sleet to more than a dozen US states, cancelling at least 19,000 flights and paralysing travel in and out of the country.

At least 80 people, including 19 members of an elite marine force, are missing and feared buried in a landslide in Indonesia’s West Bandung. The death toll has risen to 17. A massive search operation is underway including thousands of rescue workers.

The Scenic Eclipse II had to call on the help of Us Coast Guard, Polar Star, to help after it became trapped in pack ice in the Ross Sea

A cruise ship was rescued by a 50-year-old US Coast Guard vessel after it reportedly became trapped in pack ice in Antarctica – as those onboard sipped Champagne and watched the action.

The Scenic Eclipse II sent a distress call out at around 11pm local time on Friday, January 16, after it became stranded in the Ross Sea near McMurdo Sound, approximately 810 miles from the South Pole, it has been reported.

The cruiser liner – which was launched in 2023 and carries 200 guests and around the same number of crew in 114 suites – was freed by the coast guard and escorted for four hours to open water, Cruise Industry News reported.

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Its passengers were given Champagne and guided onto the observation deck so they could get a first-hand view as the ice was cleared.

The ship and its passengers are currently on a 23-day one-way trip from Hobart, Tasmania, in Australia to Dunedin in New Zealand, calling in at the Balleny Islands and Ross Island in Antarctica on the way.

As a Polar Class 6 vessel, Scenic Eclipse II is well able to handle Antarctic ice, but due to pack changes during the day, the captain requested help to avoid a longer sailing pace at a reduced speed.

The natural movement of the ice changed the following day and the ship was able to carry on as normal. According to a Jan. 23 press release detailing the incident, the U.S. Coast Guard helped “free and escort” the cruise ship that was “trapped in pack ice.”

Thanking the USCG Polar Star for their help, Captain James Griffiths, Scenic Group’s General Manager Ocean Operations said: “ We were grateful for the professionalism and co-operation of the crew of USCG Polar Star during our operations in the Ross Sea. While Scenic Eclipse II was never in need of rescue services, the co-ordination between both vessels ensured we could navigate the changing pack ice safely and efficiently.

“This is a great example of the practical, respectful co-operation that exists in the polar regions, where safety, seamanship and shared responsibility always come first.”

The Polar Star is the USA’s only active heavy icebreaker and has been in service for five decades.

Commander. Samuel Blase, Polar Star’s executive officer said: “At 50 years old, Polar Star remains the world’s most capable non-nuclear icebreaker. That’s a testament to the crews that have maintained it over the decades. With years of service left to give, Polar Star will continue to guide the way in the high latitudes well into the future.”

Despite passengers paying large sums of money to travel to the world’s least visited continent, Antarctica cruise lines rarely give detailed itineraries as the harsh weather conditions and propensity of the sea to suddenly freeze means they are difficult to stick to.

Scenic has been contacted for comment.