Uttarakhand issued an avalanche alert for five hill districts following fresh snowfall in higher Himalayan regions. Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag are under Danger Level-2, indicating greater avalanche probability, while Pithoragarh and Bageshwar face Level-1 warnings until 5 pm Monday. The State Emergency Operations Centre issued the advisory based on Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment forecasts. Residents in snow-bound areas are urged to restrict movement, monitor weather updates, and remove snow from rooftops. Those in heavy snowfall zones should relocate to safer areas. The season's first snowfall occurred January 23 after a prolonged dry spell. District disaster management teams remain on emergency standby. (PC: Wikipedia)

A powerful avalanche hit the popular Sonamarg tourist resort in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir late Tuesday night, around 10:12 pm, sweeping down snow and debris across the area. The dramatic event was captured on CCTV, showing a wall of snow engulfing buildings and vehicles. Officials confirmed no casualties or injuries so far, as most people were indoors and precautionary advisories had been issued due to heavy snowfall. The avalanche followed several days of intense snow, which disrupted travel — with the Jammu–Srinagar highway closed and flights cancelled from Srinagar airport. Emergency teams were deployed to assess impact and clear debris. 

Storm Chandra is bringing strong winds, heavy rain and snow across parts of the UK and Ireland, prompting multiple weather warnings. The Met Office issued amber wind warnings for Northern Ireland, where gusts of up to 75 mph are forecast and officials warned of a possible “danger to life”. Yellow warnings for wind, rain and snow are in place across England, Wales and Scotland. Flooding has closed several major roads, including sections of the A30, A303 and M48. In Northern Ireland, 242 schools were closed due to severe weather. Authorities urged people to avoid travel where possible and remain alert as conditions continue through the day. (PC: X)

At least 17 people have died as a powerful winter storm hit large parts of the United States. Deaths were reported in New York, Texas, Massachusetts and several other states. A 16-year-old girl died in a sledding accident in Texas. The storm caused heavy snow, strong winds and extreme cold. More than 10,000 flights were cancelled and many schools and roads were closed. Hundreds of thousands of homes lost power. Warnings from the National Weather Service stretch from Texas to New England. Kentucky Governor Andrew Beshear warned of “dangerously cold” weather and risks of frostbite and hypothermia. Officials urged people to stay indoors and follow safety advice. (PC: BBC)

Storm Chandra is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and snow across the UK on Tuesday, the Met Office said. Amber warnings have been issued for parts of southwest England and Northern Ireland. Flooding and travel disruption are likely.   Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen said the UK faces a “complex spell of weather” as the storm moves in. “Heavy rain will fall on already saturated ground, increasing the risk of flooding,” he warned.   Winds could reach 75mph along some coasts. Snow is forecast on higher ground in northern England and Scotland, with up to 20cm possible. The Met Office warned of power cuts, transport delays and communities being cut off. (PC: PA)

Storm Chandra is set to bring heavy rain, strong winds and snow across large parts of the UK, increasing the risk of flooding and travel disruption. The Met Office has issued an amber rain warning for southwest England, with yellow rain alerts covering London, the South East, Wales and Northern Ireland. An amber wind warning is in place for Northern Ireland on Tuesday, where gusts could reach up to 75 mph in coastal areas. Snow is expected over higher ground in northern England and Scotland, with up to 20 cm possible. Forecasters warned that rain falling on already saturated ground could worsen flooding. People have been advised to monitor weather updates and warnings closely. (PC: Sky News)

A fresh cold wave is expected to affect large parts of north and northwest India from January 24, the India Meteorological Department said. Very cold and dry winds from the northwest are likely to lower night temperatures by up to five degrees Celsius in several states, including Delhi, Punjab and Haryana. Day temperatures may remain between 13 and 17 degrees Celsius despite clear skies. Dense to very dense fog is also forecast in parts of the region till January 26. The IMD said rain and snowfall will continue over the western Himalayan region, with another western disturbance likely to bring fresh precipitation from January 26. (PC: HT)

Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced light rain and thunderstorms on Friday as a western disturbance moved across northern India, bringing cloudy skies, gusty winds and scattered showers. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for rain, with winds reaching 30–40 km/h and temperatures expected to fall, providing relief after unusually high daytime warmth earlier in the week. The wet weather also helped improve air quality, lowering the AQI from very poor levels, though it may still remain in the poor category. Residents are advised to stay cautious amid changing conditions. (PC: HT)

Rescue workers are searching for people missing after landslides hit parts of New Zealand’s North Island following days of heavy rain. Several people are unaccounted for after a landslide struck a campsite at Mount Maunganui, a popular tourist area. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said at least one young girl is among those missing. Rescuers said there were no signs of life at the site so far. Another landslide in nearby Papamoa left one person seriously injured, with two others missing. The Bay of Plenty region has faced strong winds, flooding and power outages. Search teams are continuing operations overnight despite difficult conditions. (PC: BBC)

The Commission for Air Quality Management on Tuesday lifted GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR after a slight improvement in air quality. The decision came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index dropped to 378, still in the ‘very poor’ category. The AQI was 410 on Monday and 440 on Sunday. GRAP-4 curbs were imposed on January 17 when air quality turned ‘severe’. Officials said better wind speed helped reduce pollution levels. However, actions under GRAP Stages I, II and III will continue. Authorities will keep monitoring air quality closely in the coming days. (PC: PTI)