10 Dead as Polar Vortex Brings ‘Life-Threatening Cold’ to the US

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:27pm on 17 Feb 2025,Monday Weather & Environment

A severe winter storm has hit the US, causing deadly floods and extreme cold. At least 10 people died, including a mother and child in Kentucky. Roads are closed, and officials warn of historic damage. The National Weather Service predicts more freezing temperatures in the coming days. Northeastern Montana could see -42.7°C, with wind chills reaching -51°C. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota remain under extreme cold warnings. Avalanche warnings are in place for the Rocky Mountains. Officials urge people to stay indoors as frostbite can occur within minutes in these conditions.

Read More at Sky News

Global Sea-Ice Levels Hit Record Low Amid Rising Temperatures and Disruptive Weather Patterns

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 02:34pm on 15 Feb 2025,Saturday Weather & Environment

Satellite data confirms that Earth's sea-ice levels have reached an all-time low, with both Arctic and Antarctic ice extents shrinking significantly. As of February 13, the combined ice cover measured 15.76 million sq km, breaking the previous record from early 2023. Warming seas, high air temperatures, and strong winds have contributed to the decline, particularly in Antarctica, which scientists believe has entered a new phase of lower ice extents. In the Arctic, delayed ice formation and extreme weather have exacerbated the trend, signaling a worsening climate crisis with long-term implications for global temperatures and sea levels.

Read More at BBC News

Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again in Hawai, Lava Shoots 330 Feet High

Brief by Shorts91NewsDesk / 10:01am on 12 Feb 2025,Wednesday Weather & Environment

Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island erupted again Tuesday, sending lava into the air. The volcano, active since Dec. 23, has had nine eruptive episodes, with lava flowing into Halemaumau Crater. No residential areas are threatened. The latest eruption started at 10:16 a.m., with a vent launching lava up to 330 feet high. Visitors have been flocking to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for views. Previous eruptions have lasted between 13 hours and eight days with pauses in between.

Read More at ABCNews

Santorini Hit by Strongest Quake Yet as Tremors Continue, 11,000 Evacuate

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:54pm on 11 Feb 2025,Tuesday Weather & Environment

A powerful 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Santorini, Greece, marking the strongest tremor in weeks of seismic activity. The quake, felt as far as Athens, follows over 12,800 tremors recorded since January. Landslides have occurred, but no injuries or structural damage have been reported. Schools remain closed, and 11,000 residents have evacuated. Experts warn of a possible major earthquake. A state of emergency will continue until March 3. Rescue teams and engineers are assessing the situation. Scientists attribute the tremors to tectonic movements, ruling out volcanic activity.

Read More at BBC

UK Temperatures Drop to -7C as Cold Health Alerts Issued Across England

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:09am on 07 Feb 2025,Friday Weather & Environment

The UK is set for a cold spell, with temperatures dropping to -7°C in rural Scotland. The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow cold health alerts for parts of northern and southeastern England from February 7 to 11. A blocked weather pattern over Scandinavia is bringing easterly winds, causing below-average daytime temperatures and strong wind chills. Some areas in the South and East may see light snow on Saturday and Monday. While this isn’t a "Beast from the East" event, the cold snap is expected to last through next week. Authorities advise caution against frost and icy conditions.

Read More at Sky News

Queensland, Australia Floods Cause 'Incredible' Devastation, Premier Says; Thousands Evacuated and Property Damage Extensive

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:49am on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday Weather & Environment

Flooding in northern Queensland, Australia, has caused "incredible" devastation, with thousands returning home after evacuation. The floods have affected towns like Ingham and Cardwell, where power outages and damaged roads hinder recovery efforts. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the damage was shocking, with homes, businesses, and farms inundated. One woman died in a rescue attempt. Townsville was spared the worst, with predicted flood levels not materialising. Local experts warn that extreme weather events like this will increase due to climate change. Recovery may take weeks, with infrastructure repairs underway.

Read More at BBC

Light Rain Falls in Delhi, AQI Improves Slightly

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:54am on 04 Feb 2025,Tuesday Weather & Environment

Delhi received light rainfall on Tuesday morning due to a western disturbance. The rain is expected to stop by Wednesday, with fog increasing in the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted a possible thunderstorm. The minimum temperature is 12°C, while the maximum is 21°C. Humidity is at 96%. The Air Quality Index (AQI) has slightly improved but remains poor. The IMD says another western disturbance may bring more weather changes from February 8. Authorities continue to enforce pollution control measures as AQI levels remain a concern.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Severe Floods in Australia Kill One, Destroy Homes, and Cut Off Major Highway

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:08am on 03 Feb 2025,Monday Weather & Environment

Heavy rains in northern Queensland have caused severe floods, forcing thousands to evacuate. A woman died when a rescue boat capsized. Many homes are underwater, and power is out in several areas. Parts of the Bruce Highway have collapsed, making aid delivery harder. Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell are among the worst-hit places. Authorities warn the flooding could last for days. Some areas have received six months’ worth of rain in just three days. People are urged to stay safe, avoid floodwaters, and watch for crocodiles. Emergency teams continue working to help those in need.

Read More at BBC

Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter in The US

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:16pm on 02 Feb 2025,Sunday Weather & Environment

Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, has predicted six more weeks of winter for the United States as he gave his weather forecast in Pennsylvania. A large crowd gathered at Gobbler's Knob to witness the event, where the woodchuck saw his shadow, signaling a longer winter. The tradition, which dates back over a century with roots in European folklore, was made famous by the 1993 movie Groundhog Day. Despite his prediction, Phil's accuracy has been questioned, as he has been correct less than 50% of the time in past years.

Read More at The Sky News

Bangkok Makes Public Transport Free to Tackle Air Pollution

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:05pm on 26 Jan 2025,Sunday Weather & Environment

In a bid to reduce air pollution, Bangkok has made public transport free for a week, starting Saturday. This includes buses and the Skytrain, metro, and light rail. The government hopes this will reduce private car use, a major cause of pollution. On Friday, over 350 schools were closed due to unsafe air quality. The pollution levels reached a hazardous level, with an AQI of 185. The Thai government is also taking steps to limit construction and ban crop burning. Bangkok is now ranked the seventh-most polluted city in the world.

Read More at The Independent

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