Delhi-NCR saw dense fog and cloud cover early Saturday, a day after recording its coldest March day in six years. At 7.20 am, the Safdarjung observatory reported 14°C with 100 per cent humidity. No weather alert has been issued for the day. The India Meteorological Department said recent rain was caused by an active western disturbance. It brought thunderstorms and gusty winds across Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The rainfall also improved air quality. AQI stood at 93, in the “satisfactory” range. Officials said this was the first such reading in about five months.

A rare western disturbance is affecting North India with an unusual straight rain band stretching nearly 1,000 km across Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Such systems usually form curved troughs, but this one has a straight low-pressure line. Experts say this shape can lead to strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds. Several regions are already seeing these conditions. The system has also brought relief from early heat. Temperatures in cities like Delhi have dropped by 3 to 7 degrees. The India Meteorological Department said “moderate to heavy rainfall with lightning and gusty winds” will continue till March 20. (PC: India Today)

Heavy rain and a sudden hailstorm damaged several houses and crops in parts of Manipur on Sunday. The storm began late Saturday night and affected districts such as Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal. Farmers reported that standing crops like cabbage, peas, and beans were destroyed. Many houses in Moirang Phiwangbam and Thanga-Ngaram near Loktak Lake were also damaged. In some areas, large hail covered roads and fields. Power supply was disrupted in several places. No human casualties were reported. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh directed officials to provide relief and help affected families. Authorities advised people to stay indoors during heavy rain and prepare emergency supplies.

A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 magnitude struck near Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The tremor occurred in waters close to the island. Sumatra lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.   There were no immediate reports of deaths or major damage. Authorities are checking the affected areas and monitoring the situation. Indonesia often experiences earthquakes because several tectonic plates meet in this region. Further details are awaited as officials continue their assessment.

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck around 1:22 pm IST, sending tremors across Kolkata and nearby districts. According to initial reports, the epicentre was located near the India–Bangladesh border, close to southwestern Bangladesh. Buildings swayed for several seconds, prompting residents to rush outdoors in panic. Offices and residential complexes were briefly evacuated as a precaution. Authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of casualties or major structural damage, though assessments were ongoing. Disaster management teams remained on alert while officials continued monitoring aftershocks and seismic updates to ensure public safety across affected areas. (PC: NDTV)

At least 25 people have died after relentless heavy rains triggered severe flooding and landslides in southeastern Brazil, particularly in Minas Gerais state. Rivers overflowed, inundating residential areas and sweeping away vehicles, while mudslides buried homes and blocked roads. Emergency services evacuated hundreds of residents to safer shelters as rescue teams searched for missing persons. Local authorities reported widespread infrastructure damage, including disrupted power supply and closed schools. Federal and state governments have mobilised relief assistance, while weather officials warned that continued rainfall could worsen conditions and hamper ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

A powerful winter storm hit the US east coast on Monday. It brought record snowfall and forced more than 5,700 flight cancellations. Parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts saw up to 37 inches of snow. New York City’s Central Park recorded more than 19 inches. Over 600,000 homes and businesses lost power. Travel bans were imposed in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Governor Maura Healey warned of “white-out conditions” and said travel was “extremely dangerous.” Nearly all flights from LaGuardia and JFK were cancelled. The National Weather Service said the storm will move toward eastern Canada, but strong winds may continue. (PC: BBC)

A major winter storm has brought heavy snow to the US east coast. New York officials warned of “near impossible” travel conditions. Parts of the region have received more than 22 inches of snow. Central Park recorded over 15 inches, the National Weather Service said.   Winter storm warnings stretch from North Carolina to Maine. Thousands of flights have been cancelled. Many homes are without power. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill warned of falling trees, calling it “a very dangerous situation.” Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont said about 20,000 people were without electricity. Travel bans remain in several areas as strong winds continue. (PC: BBC)

Parts of the UK face a risk of flooding for months after record rainfall in January. The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology said rivers in southern England reached very high levels. Northern Ireland and southwest England recorded their wettest January. Soil in many areas is fully saturated. Experts warned of groundwater flooding, where water rises from below the ground and enters homes. The Environment Agency said parts of Dorset and Wiltshire face significant risk. More rain is forecast. Officials have urged residents to stay alert and check flood warnings as wet conditions continue.

Several Indian cities recorded temperatures above 30°C in mid-February. In Delhi, the mercury crossed 31°C on February 16. The India Meteorological Department said temperatures are 2°C to 4°C above normal in many regions. Experts say it is too early to predict the full year. However, early heat may signal a longer and stronger summer. Clear skies and weak cold winds have pushed daytime temperatures higher. If this trend continues, 2026 could be hotter than 2025. Scientists warn that rising temperatures may increase heatwaves, health risks, crop stress and higher power demand across the country. (PC: PTI)