A microbiologist says there is a feeling of exasperation and disbelief about the situation.

BBC Midlands Today

A campaign to get hundreds more plasma donors to come forward is starting.

Birmingham currently needs 1,200 people to donate over the next three months to meet its targets.

Plasma is used to make antibody medicines and helped in the treatment of almost 1,300 patients in the West Midlands last year.

Click here to find out how you can help., external

Stuart Cooper says he recorded a temperature of over 42C (109F), even after turning equipment off.

The Great Birmingham Run, due to take place in October, has been postponed.

Orgainisers say both the 10k and half marathon distances will instead take place in May 2022.

Chief executive Paul Foster said: "Despite the lifting of restrictions this week, we are still required to deliver safe events that are designed to minimise Covid transmission amongst participants and spectators.

"As no cancellation insurance is currently available for large-scale events, we also have to consider the implications of possible future restrictions.

"We’re sorry that we have to do this, but we hope everyone understands the decision," Mr Foster added.

All runners who have already purchased a place in the event will be automatically rolled over to 2022 and anyone who can’t make the 2022 date can apply for a refund.

Severn Trent is asking customers to be mindful of their water usage during the hot weather.

The water company has been sending out text messages to customers in the West Midlands region asking them to reduce water usage.

It said making changes such as using a watering can instead of a garden hose to water plants, covering the paddling pool with a sheet so it can be used the next day and avoiding washing the car until the very hot weather passed "will all add up to make a big difference".

Image source, Getty Images

A Severn Trent spokesperson said: “As you know, we are experiencing extreme hot weather at the moment and this year we are having another summer with more people at home again.

"Our reservoirs remain in a healthy position and while we have plenty of water available, the challenge is treating and pumping it out fast enough to meet demand due to the current heatwave.

"It takes around 12 hours to treat and pump water out to customers and as water demand increases we are struggling to get it through our treatment works and into pipes fast enough to keep up with the rate that it’s being used.

“To make sure that there’s plenty of water for everyone, we’re asking customers to be mindful of their water use and reduce non-essential usage where possible."

BBC Weather Watchers

Despite the heat, many of you are out and about sending in your weather pictures.

Andy The Balloon Man took this hazy shot in Stone, Staffordshire.

Image source, Andy The Balloon Man

The Wrekin Rambler took this gorgeous above-the-clouds picture in Telford.

Image source, Wrekin Rambler

While Maid Marion captured this delightful shot in Cleeve Prior, Worcestershire.

Image source, MaidMarion

Send us your weather pictures by becoming a BBC Weather Watcher here.

The lifting of restrictions in England means lots of events are back on the calendar - including historical re-enactments.

At Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, some performers are very happy to be getting back into costume.

Recycling collections have been suspended in Stratford following a large blaze at a recycling plant.

On Monday 10 engines were sent to Pure Recycling Limited in Ettington where thick smoke was billowing from the building.

As a result, the council was forced to suspend blue bin recycling collections until alternative arrangements are made.

The cause of the fire is, as yet, unknown but will be the subject of further investigation, external.

Image source, WFRS

BBC Radio Stoke

A £5.4m extension at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery is complete.

The extension will be used to exhibit the Spitfire in Hanley (pictured below) after its restoration.

Image source, Stoke on Trent City Council

The Spitfire is due go on display to the public in September.

The boss of South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust says it is the busiest July for urgent care that he can recall.

However Glen Burley said it is "quite unbelievable" some patients are challenging the wearing of face masks as restrictions eased earlier this week.

The trust runs hospitals in Warwick, Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon.

BBC News Travel

A fire next to the track at Ledbury means all lines between Hereford and Great Malvern are blocked.

Trains between Hereford and Worcester Foregate Street may be cancelled, delayed or revised, the National Rail Enquiries website reports., external

Disruption will continue into the morning.

Road transport is being set up and tickets can be used on Transport for Wales services between Hereford and Shrewsbury.

BBC Weather

We're forecast another very hot day with temperatures around 30C (86F) for many of us.

That weather should continue tomorrow, but at the weekend we could have some thunderstorms.

Image source, Ladyday

You can get a full forecast for your area on the BBC Weather page.

Good morning, welcome to Midlands Live on Wednesday.

We'll bring you all the latest news, sport, weather and travel until 18:00.

You can get in touch with us via Twitter,, external Facebook , externaland email.

Part of the M6 was closed while the cow was moved to safety.

The event will have limited numbers this year, to allow social distancing.

The three rappers have four nominations apiece, while Little Simz is up for best female artist.

The Jack Reacher novelist explains the huge influence of Frederick Forsyth's first thriller.

Owner Claire Brough said it should have been the "perfect time" for them when Covid rules relaxed.

We'll be back with the news, sport, travel and weather from 08:00 tomorrow.

Ateeq Rafiq died after getting his head stuck under a motorised footrest while searching for keys.