A severe cold wave has blanketed northern India, with temperatures plummeting below -5°C in Indian-administered Kashmir. Dense fog engulfs regions, disrupting flights and train services, impacting daily commuting. Famous landmarks like Dal Lake freeze partially, affecting boat transport. Water pipelines freeze, hindering access to daily necessities. Delhi experiences temperatures as low as 7°C, particularly affecting the homeless. The cold snap disrupts train schedules, causing chaos for millions of passengers dependent on the Indian Railways. Health concerns arise, exacerbated by Delhi's winter pollution. The weather department advises caution, urging people to use fog lights and limit outdoor activities during the persistent cold wave.

A pervasive coldwave grips North India as dense fog disrupts flights at Delhi airport. The India Meteorological Department reports chilling temperatures across regions. In Delhi, Safdarjung records a bone-chilling 5°C, while Palam registers 7°C. Uttar Pradesh experiences frigid conditions with Bareilly at 8°C, Lucknow at 9°C, Prayagraj at 10°C, and Varanasi at 10°C. Rajasthan faces extreme cold with Bikaner at 7°C, Jaisalmer at 8°C, Kota at 9°C, and Jaipur at 9°C. Bihar encounters icy temperatures, with Gaya and Purnea at 8°C and Patna at 10°C. The coldwave prompts school closures in Noida and Greater Noida. The weather department anticipates a gradual rise in minimum temperatures over the next few days in East and Central India.

Hundreds of flood warnings remain active across England and Wales after Storm Henk brought heavy rain and strong winds up to 81mph, causing continued travel chaos on Wednesday. A severe flood warning was issued in Northampton, forcing evacuations. Hundreds of West Midlands properties flooded for the fourth time this winter. Tenby faced sewage contamination risks. While 125,000 homes had power restored, 10,000 lack electricity, mostly in central, southern and southeastern England. Rail networks continue seeing disruptions with blocked lines and displaced trains. Major roads also shut down due to flooding. A woman was hospitalized in London after being hit by a falling tree amid the treacherous conditions. The UK faces a messy recovery from the latest battering by the extreme weather.

The aftermath of powerful earthquakes in Japan's Ishikawa prefecture reveals a rising death toll of 62, with many feared trapped in collapsed buildings. Rescuers confront aftershocks and poor weather in their mission to locate survivors. Over 20 people are seriously injured, and efforts to determine the number of missing individuals are ongoing. The earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.5 tremor, struck the Noto Peninsula, causing widespread damage. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns of heavy rainfall, heightening the risk of landslides. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida acknowledges the urgency, emphasizing the race against time for rescue operations.            

The Met Office reveals that 2023 marked the UK's second-warmest year on record, attributing it to human-induced climate change. With a mean temperature of 9.97 degrees Celsius, just below 2022's figure, the trend aligns with the country's warming climate. The UK's 10 warmest years, all in the 21st century, raise concerns about heightened risks like droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather events. Despite global climate agreements, experts emphasize the need for more decisive action to prevent irreversible consequences. Wales and Northern Ireland experienced their warmest years on record, reflecting the nationwide temperature surge.

At least 48 people have died after Japan was struck by a series of major earthquakes on Monday, with the largest recorded at magnitude 7.6. Rescuers are in a "battle against time" to find survivors trapped under rubble, according to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The quakes sparked fires and destroyed homes near the epicenter on Japan's Noto peninsula. Around 1,000 troops have been sent to assist rescue efforts, but damaged infrastructure is hampering access to affected areas. Over 100 homes in Wajima city have been destroyed by fires still burning Tuesday morning. The government has urged coastal residents to stay away despite lifted tsunami warnings, as strong aftershocks are forecast.

Storm Henk is wreaking havoc across the UK, with the Met Office issuing an amber wind warning for southern England, the Midlands, East Anglia, and Wales until 20:00 GMT. Exposed coasts may experience gusts of 70 to 80mph, while inland areas could face winds up to 60mph. A yellow rain warning is in place until 21:00, affecting regions as far north as Manchester and Hull. Over 100 flood warnings and nearly 200 flood alerts have been issued by the Environment Agency. The Met Office emphasizes the risk of flying debris, potential injuries, power cuts, and advises precautions such as securing loose objects and avoiding coastal areas.

A series of 155 earthquakes struck Japan on New Year's Day, claiming at least 12 lives and forcing thousands to evacuate. The initial 7.6 magnitude quake triggered tsunami warnings, causing waves up to 5-feet high. Rescue efforts face obstacles with damaged roads and halted transport services, hindering access to the worst-affected Noto Peninsula. Major highways remain non-operational, leaving 33,000 households without power. The earthquakes also prompted tsunami warnings in Russia, South Korea, and North Korea. US President Joe Biden pledges support, emphasizing the strong bond between the US and Japan. The disaster revives concerns over Japan's vulnerability to seismic activity, with authorities warning of potential further shocks.

Japan has lowered its highest-level tsunami alert that was issued following powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.6 quake, on Honshu's west coast. Despite the downgrade, coastal residents have been warned against returning home due to the threat of deadly waves. The Monday quakes caused building collapses with residents inside them and a fire in Wajima City, Ishikawa prefecture. Electricity was out for more than 30,000 households. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported over a dozen quakes in the Japan Sea, with expected aftershocks. While the immediate casualties remained unclear, the warning persisted for potential waves reaching up to 3 meters. The situation prompted vigilance as Japan grappled with the aftermath and possible further seismic activity.

Rajasthan's Phalodi experienced its coldest day at 5.6 degrees Celsius, marking the lowest temperature in the state. Jaipur recorded a minimum of 7.6 degrees Celsius on the New Year's first day. Other cities like Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sirohi reported chilly temperatures. Alwar and Sriganganagar recorded 8.2 degrees, with Pilani at 8.5 degrees. The state observed dry weather with moderate to dense fog in some areas. Meteorological department officials shared these details as residents bundled up to combat the cold.