Following a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Japan, the meteorological agency issues a two-three day warning for seismic activity with intensity 7. Tsunamis, including a reported 5-meter-high wave in Ishikawa, pose threats to regions like Nigata, Nagano, and Toyama. Wajima experiences a four-feet-high tsunami wave. Houses are damaged, power outages occur, and bullet train services halt. Over 36,000 households lose power, but no nuclear plant irregularities are reported. Prime Minister Kishida urges vigilance as the government assesses the extent of damage, recalling the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan's northeastern region.

The first tsunami waves have hit Japan's coast after a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the northwest coast on Monday. Japan's meteorological agency issued major tsunami warnings, with waves expected to reach up to 5 meters in some areas. Dramatic footage showed the tsunami slamming into coastal towns, flooding streets and sweeping away cars and debris. People were urged to evacuate to higher ground immediately. Smaller waves have already reached some areas. There are no immediate reports of major damage or casualties. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation as further waves could strike coastal regions.

Japan faced a seismic jolt as a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck north-central regions, triggering a tsunami warning for coastal areas of Ishikawa, Niigata, and Toyama prefectures. Reports of damage are yet to emerge. Hokuriku Electric Power is checking nuclear plants for irregularities. NHK warns of potential 5-meter-high waves and urges immediate evacuation to higher ground. South Korea anticipates rising sea levels on its east coast. Kansai Electric Power reports no abnormalities at nuclear plants. High-speed trains halt in Ishikawa. The situation unfolds after a series of powerful quakes hit western Japan.

Dense fog grips North India, including Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with zero visibility in some areas. IMD predicts fog persistence until January 4, impacting travel. Jorhat, Pathankot, Bathinda, Jammu, and Agra record minimal visibility. Airport delays and 23 trains running late reported due to poor visibility. Very dense fog conditions expected in Punjab, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttarakhand. Cold day conditions in parts of Punjab and Haryana till December 31. Rainfall/snowfall forecast in northern regions and light rainfall in south India till January 3. Travelers urged to exercise caution.

Residents along Southern California's Ventura County coast received temporary evacuation warnings due to high surf, reaching up to 20 feet. Officials urged caution near the Pacific Coast Highway, and some streets were closed. Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder termed the surf as an "extraordinary event." While no injuries or damage were reported on Saturday, the evacuation warning remains until waves recede. Earlier in the week, eight people were rescued from surf-related injuries. Coastal areas experienced flooding, with some street closures. Despite challenges, surfers in Seal Beach took advantage of the impressive waves, describing it as one of the largest winter swells in years.

Extreme weather events ravaged the world in 2023, claiming countless lives and breaking temperature records. Scientists reveal the past 12 months as the hottest in 125,000 years. Storms, floods, and wildfires wreaked havoc from the US to Australia, with unprecedented heatwaves scorching Europe. The devastating toll includes Cyclone Freddy's deadly dance, Mediterranean Storm Daniel's catastrophic flooding, and record-breaking heatwaves in the Amazon. The year ended with floods in Tanzania, supercell thunderstorms in the UK, and Spain experiencing historic December heat. Climate change's impact intensifies, emphasizing the urgent need for global action.            

Climate scientists express cautious optimism as 2023 is considered a pivotal year for climate action. Experts believe that global carbon emissions from energy use may have peaked, marking a crucial milestone in the fight against climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a decline in fossil fuel consumption, citing a plateau in power sector emissions and a rise in renewable energy sources. While some remain skeptical, pointing to conflicting projections from major oil producers, there is a growing consensus that 2023 could be the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel era.

Scotland faces widespread turmoil as Storm Gerrit leaves nearly 8,000 homes powerless. Cupar in Fife witnessed evacuations due to flooding, and the A9 in the Highlands closed amid heavy snow. SSEN reports the north east and Shetland as the hardest-hit areas, with outages extending into Friday. Landslides and road damage compound travel issues, while a "localised tornado" damages 100 homes in Greater Manchester. Rural regions, especially in the north east, brace for potential 48-hour blackouts. Rail services are halted, and a major incident is declared on the snow-locked A9. Emergency teams work to restore normalcy as Scotland grapples with the aftermath of Storm Gerrit's relentless onslaught.

Two earthquakes, measuring 6.5 and 5.0 magnitudes, struck near Japan's coast in rapid succession, reported the US Geological Survey. The initial 6.5 magnitude quake occurred at 2:45 pm, centered off the southeast coast of the Kuril Islands, followed by a 5.0 magnitude jolt at 3:07 pm. Both quakes struck at depths of 23.8 km and 40 km, respectively. No immediate reports of damage. Japan has experienced a series of powerful quakes this year, with earlier tsunami warnings in December. Past earthquakes, including a 6.5 magnitude in May, caused injuries and building collapses in different regions.

Storm Gerrit hits the UK, bringing snow, rain, and strong winds. Warnings are issued for Wednesday and Thursday, with potential 70mph winds in some areas. The Met Office named the storm on Tuesday, predicting heavy rain and wintry conditions, especially in northern Scotland. People traveling post-Christmas are urged to be cautious on roads. Met Office's Simon Partridge notes wet and windy weather across the UK, significant snow in Scotland, and wind warnings for various regions, excluding the central UK. Rain and snow warnings cover Scotland, Northern Ireland, western Wales, and North West England. Wind warning areas may experience gusts of 50-60mph, reaching 70mph on high ground. Storm Gerrit also impacts Ireland with an orange rain warning for the southwest coast.