Record snowfall has disrupted daily life across Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, forcing local authorities to declare a state of emergency. Snow piled up several metres high, blocking roads, cutting power, and grounding flights. In the regional capital Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, rooftops collapsed under the weight of snow and avalanches were reported. Local officials said some neighbourhoods were completely cut off, while shops began running low on basic supplies. Schools and offices were closed as clearing work continued. Meteorologists said multiple low-pressure systems over the Sea of Okhotsk caused the unusually intense snowfall. (PC: X)

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Leh–Ladakh region on Monday, according to the National Center for Seismology. The tremor occurred at 11:51 am, with its epicentre located in Leh, Ladakh, at a depth of 171 km. No casualties or damage were reported till the filing of this report. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and advised residents to remain cautious due to the possibility of aftershocks. The region lies in the seismically active Himalayan belt and frequently experiences earthquakes. The quake comes amid increased seismic activity in the wider region, including recent tremors reported in Afghanistan. (PC: HT)

The Met Office has said colder conditions could return across the UK toward the end of January, raising the likelihood of snow in some areas. This weekend is expected to bring mostly average temperatures, with highs between 6C and 10C, along with cloud, fog, and periods of rain. Some regions may see brief sunny spells, but cooler air will keep temperatures lower overall. From around January 22, forecasters expect Atlantic weather systems to meet colder air from the east. This clash could lead to a shift toward colder weather, though the forecast remains uncertain. (PC: Sky News)

A thick layer of fog covered Delhi-NCR on Sunday morning, reducing visibility to near zero and delaying flights and trains. The minimum temperature fell to 5.3°C, below normal for this time of year. Air quality remained severe, with the AQI reaching 439, prompting authorities to enforce GRAP-IV curbs. The India Meteorological Department reported zero visibility at Safdarjung and very low visibility at Palam. Airlines issued advisories, while train services faced delays of up to 12 hours. Similar fog conditions were reported in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. (PC: India Today)

A dense blanket of fog and cold conditions affected Delhi-NCR on Saturday morning, disrupting air, road, and rail traffic. Visibility dropped sharply in several areas, delaying flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The minimum temperature in the capital fell to around 7 degrees Celsius, while air quality worsened due to stagnant conditions. Authorities reimposed pollution curbs under Graded Response Action Plan Stage III as smog mixed with fog. Data from the India Meteorological Department showed very poor to severe air quality at many stations. Dry weather is expected to continue, with cold mornings likely over the coming days. (PC: India Today)

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Oregon, United States, on Thursday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported, with its epicentre about 10 km deep beneath the Pacific Ocean. Authorities said no immediate reports of damage or casualties have emerged, and there are no tsunami warnings in effect. The quake occurred in a seismically active offshore region near the Oregon–California border, where tectonic movements are common, and officials are monitoring the situation closely as further assessments continue. The event is part of recurrent Pacific Northwest seismic activity. (PC: Reuters)

Delhi recorded its coldest night in three years on Thursday as the minimum temperature at Safdarjung fell to 2.9 degrees Celsius, the India Meteorological Department said. The last lower reading was 2.6 degrees on January 18, 2023. Dense to very dense fog covered many areas during night and morning hours. Visibility at Palam airport dropped to nearly 50 metres at 5.30 am, while Safdarjung reported about 100 metres. Other stations also saw low readings, including Palam at 2.3 degrees and Ayanagar at 2.7 degrees. The IMD said fog is likely till January 19. (PC: HT)

Two healthcare workers in West Bengal have tested positive for Nipah virus, officials said. The patients, a male nurse and a female nurse, work at the same private hospital in Barasat, North 24 Parganas. Both are in critical condition and on ventilator support. The cases were first reported earlier this week as suspected infections. After confirmation, the Centre sent a national outbreak response team to assist the state. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda spoke to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and assured full support. Around 120 contacts have been identified, and testing is ongoing. (PC: iStock)

Delhi and nearby cities are seeing colder nights than hill towns like Shimla, as a cold wave grips north India. The India Meteorological Department said minimum temperatures in Delhi may fall to 3 to 4.2 degrees Celsius. Shimla is likely to record a higher minimum of about 9 degrees. The IMD warned of cold wave or severe cold wave conditions in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh over the next two days. Dense fog is also expected in many states till Thursday. The weather office said there is no major rain or snow forecast this week.

Heater and brazier use during the winter has led to a rise in deaths across North India. Recent cases were reported from Delhi, Punjab, Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir. In Tarn Taran, a young couple and their infant died after fumes built up in a closed room. In Delhi, a family of three died in a flat fire linked to a room heater. Doctors say carbon monoxide is a “silent killer” because it has no smell or colour. In closed rooms, heaters burn oxygen and release toxic gas. Victims often feel dizzy or weak before losing consciousness. (PC: X)