There is also coverage of the UK and Sri Lanka’s efforts to elect new prime ministers.

The aftermath of the heatwave and Tuesday’s record temperatures otherwise dominates Wednesday’s national headlines following widespread disruption to travel, wildfires and stark climate crisis warnings.

Here are the key headlines affecting travel on Wednesday 20 July.

Interest rates set to rise again

The Bank of England hinted at the steepest interest rate rise in nearly 30 years last night. Governor Andrew Bailey said a 0.5 percentage point rate increase to tackle soaring inflation would be ‘on the table’ when the Bank’s monetary policy committee meets in two weeks. It would be the biggest rise since 1995 and take rates to 1.75%, the highest since December 2008. (The Daily Mail)

Inflation reaches new high

Dearer petrol and diesel prices pushed Britain’s annual inflation rate to a fresh 40-year high of 9.4% last month. Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed the government’s preferred measure of the cost of living – the consumer prices index – was up from May’s 9.1% figure. (The Guardian)

Sri Lanka votes on new president

Sri Lanka’s MPs are voting for a new president after their former leader fled the country amid protests over its economic crisis. Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, currently interim leader, has been nominated for the role by the ruling party and is seen as frontrunner, but protesters want him to go too after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigned. (BBC News)

Final two Tory candidates to be chosen

The final two candidates in the Conservative leadership contest will be decided today among Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Penny Mordaunt. Boris Johnson will make his final appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions from 12pm. (Sky News)

‘Son of Concorde’ comes a step nearer

A new 1,300 miles per hour jetliner dubbed “son of Concorde” has moved a step closer to reality. Manufacturer Boom Supersonic said its Overture aircraft had completed wind tunnel testing and secured suppliers for gear and control systems. On Tuesday, US defence contractor Northrop Grumman signed a deal to develop a military version. United Airlines has already placed an order for 15 of the jets. (The Telegraph)

End of heatwave to bring storms

Temperatures are set to drop by up to 10C in some areas on Wednesday, with heavy showers and thunderstorms predicted in parts of northern England and southern Scotland. They will bring potential for localised flooding, lightning strikes, transport disruption and power cuts. (The Guardian)