Delhi is bracing for a severe cold wave, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting a minimum temperature drop to 5°C by Friday. The Safdarjung Observatory reported a maximum temperature of 16.2°C and a minimum of 10.5°C on Wednesday, above seasonal norms. Meanwhile, air quality improved, leading to the revocation of Stage 3 restrictions under GRAP, though Stages 1 and 2 remain. Dense fog on Tuesday reduced visibility to 150 meters, delaying 25 trains. The IMD expects worsening conditions as the cold wave grips northern India, urging residents to take precautions.

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit China’s Qinghai province on Wednesday near the Yellow River's source. The quake, at a depth of 14 km, struck Madoi County in Golog prefecture at 3:44 p.m., according to the China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC). This region, populated largely by Tibetans, is part of the seismically active Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. The quake follows a deadly 6.8-magnitude tremor in Tibet and a 3.1-magnitude quake in Sichuan earlier this week. Over the past 5 years, 102 earthquakes of magnitude 3+ have occurred in the area, with the largest recorded at 7.4 in 2021.

A catastrophic wildfire in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, has burned through 3,000 acres, destroying homes and forcing 30,000 residents to evacuate. The fire, exacerbated by hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, spread swiftly through multimillion-dollar properties in the Santa Monica Mountains. Firefighters battled the blaze from the ground and air while bulldozers cleared abandoned vehicles, including luxury cars, from the streets. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley reported no deaths or injuries despite the widespread destruction. A state of emergency was declared by Acting Mayor Marqueece Harris-Dawson. President Biden has approved federal aid as thousands remain without power.

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet near Mount Everest, killing at least 126 people and damaging over 3,000 buildings. More than 14,000 rescue workers are assisting survivors, with over 400 rescued so far. Winter temperatures, dropping to -16°C, have complicated relief efforts. Chinese state media reported 30,000 displaced, with electricity and communication restored in Tingri County near the epicenter. Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing is overseeing operations. Tremors were felt in Nepal and India, though no casualties were reported there. The Dalai Lama expressed condolences, while officials warned of potential aftershocks. Thousands remain vulnerable as rescue operations intensify.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency as wildfires, driven by 40-80 mph winds, sweep through Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. Over 30,000 residents have been evacuated from the celebrity-dense neighborhood. Actor James Woods shared footage of flames near his home, reporting significant losses on his street. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stated the fire has grown from 10 to 1,200+ acres, fueled by extreme wind conditions. Over 250 firefighters are battling the blaze, with no injuries reported but significant property damage. The National Weather Service predicts winds may intensify, with gusts reaching 100 mph in mountainous areas.

A massive wildfire ravaged Los Angeles' upscale Pacific Palisades, forcing 30,000 residents to evacuate. The fire, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation, scorched over 1,262 acres, destroying homes and threatening 10,000 residences. Firefighters used ocean water to battle the flames, which engulfed palm trees and vehicles. Governor Gavin Newsom warned of worsening conditions, with wind gusts expected to reach 100 mph in some areas. Hollywood celebrities, including James Woods, were among evacuees. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley confirmed no injuries but stressed extreme fire weather remains a major challenge. Evacuation efforts and fire containment continue.

The UK faces extreme weather as heavy rain, snow, and rapid snowmelt trigger severe floods and icy conditions. Major incidents were declared in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire after the River Soar flooded, prompting evacuations at caravan parks. Over 130 flood warnings and 200 alerts are in place across England, with significant disruption to transport. Rescuers evacuated 59 people and 45 schoolchildren, while a man's body was found in North Yorkshire flooding. Snow warnings extend across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and southern England, with accumulations up to 10 cm forecast. Authorities urge caution and adherence to safety advisories amid worsening conditions.

Severe flooding has prompted evacuations in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, with a "danger to life" warning issued for the River Soar. Proctor’s Pleasure Park caravan site was evacuated as river levels rose dangerously at Pillings Lock due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt. The Lincolnshire Resilience Forum reported 62 flooded properties and emergency monitoring of the West Glen River near Stamford. Environment Minister Emma Hardy highlighted flooding as a priority, warning of further risks in the next 36 hours. Across England, 201 flood warnings and 300 alerts remain active, with emergency services on high alert.

A devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Tibet’s Tingri county, killing 95 and causing widespread destruction. Eyewitness footage shared by Reuters showed collapsed shops and streets filled with rubble. The quake’s epicenter was located 80 km north of Mount Everest at a depth of 10 km. Tremors were felt across Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Rescue workers are racing to save survivors trapped under debris. The Dalai Lama expressed sorrow, offering prayers for the victims. Residents described severe damage to homes, with structures collapsing and buildings cracking open. This is among 21 major quakes recorded in Tibet's Lhasa block since 1950.

A powerful winter storm sweeping across the US has resulted in at least five fatalities, widespread school closures, and major travel disruptions. Seven states—Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas—have declared emergencies. Over 2,300 flight cancellations and nearly 9,000 delays were reported. Around 190,000 people were without power early Tuesday. Dangerous road conditions led to numerous crashes, particularly in Missouri and Kansas. The storm, fueled by a polar vortex, is expected to bring ongoing icy conditions across the northeastern US, with the cold snap lasting for weeks.