Coastal regions of northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh are on high alert as Cyclone Michaung gains strength over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of heavy rain and predicts the cyclone to intensify into a storm within 24 hours. The projected path indicates a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5, with maximum sustained winds of 80-90 kmph. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized 18 teams, and schools in Chennai and neighboring districts remain closed on Monday. In response to the impending cyclone, The Southern Railway has cancelled 118 trains in Tamil Nadu, including long-distance trains in other states between December 3-6.

A new yellow weather warning for snow and ice covers the Midlands, Yorkshire, and north and central Wales, foretelling travel woes on roads and railways. Glasgow Airport grinds to a halt due to unexpected heavy snow, causing diversions for flights bound to Prestwick and Edinburgh airports. As temperatures plummet across the UK, Manchester records -5°C, Edinburgh -5°C, south-west London and Birmingham -3°C. Sporting events, including 11 SPFL football matches and the Newcastle racing fixture, succumb to cancellations. Manchester United's flight to Newcastle is axed, forcing a coach journey. The Met Office's yellow warning persists into Sunday, aligning with an amber cold-health alert for five English regions, warning of service strain until December 5.              

Cyclone Michaung poses a looming peril for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The India Meteorological Department's alert indicates the system's trajectory towards a landfall between Nellore and Machilipatnam on December 5, with expected wind speeds of 80-90 kmph. The government of Puducherry has declared a holiday for all colleges in the Union Territory next week on December 4 due to Cyclone Michaung.Tamil Nadu's CM, MK Stalin, has initiated precautionary measures, foreseeing heavy rainfall. The National Crisis Management Committee is actively reviewing preparedness. A comprehensive rainfall warning spans southern and eastern India, urging residents to brace for escalating rain intensity from December 3 onwards, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness in vulnerable regions. 

A mild tremor measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale was felt in India's Ladakh region on Friday morning. The earthquake occurred at 8:25am at a depth of 10km, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). No casualties or damage have been reported. In neighboring Bangladesh, a stronger 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 10km, says the German Research Center for Geosciences. Both Ladakh and Bangladesh fall in earthquake-prone zones, making them vulnerable to frequent seismic activity originating from the active tectonic movements in the Himalayan belt. While the Ladakh quake was minor, the one in Bangladesh triggered panic among residents.

The South East of England braces for snowfall tonight, marking the official start of winter after Britain's coldest night in nine months, with temperatures plummeting to nearly -10C. Met Office issues yellow warnings for snow and ice, affecting coastal and inland areas. Up to 2 inches of snow expected over higher ground, prompting amber cold-health alerts. Commuters face disruptions in Kent due to icy conditions. London Mayor Sadiq Khan activates severe weather emergency protocol, providing shelter for rough sleepers. Nationwide surge in heating product sales reported amid the Arctic snap. UK anticipates another freezing night with temperatures potentially dropping to -12C. Meanwhile Contrary to rival forecasts of a colossal 600-mile "wall of snow" hitting the UK in mid-December, the Met Office remains uncertain. While addressing the ongoing cold snap, the agency suggests milder and unsettled conditions. Additionally, reports indicate that certain areas may experience 600 meters of snowfall, challenging the extreme predictions. The public awaits further updates to discern the potential impact and scale of wintry conditions across the country.

Delhi's air quality has slipped back into the 'severe' category on Friday after briefly improving earlier this week. Thick smog enveloped the city as the 24-hour average AQI rose to 412 in multiple areas. This marks the tenth 'severe' air day this November for the capital. Morning walkers claimed breathing difficulties due to the pollution which intensifies in winter. Authorities have reimplemented lower GRAP stages after withdrawing the highest stages few days back when air quality had relatively improved. However, forecasts predict no significant meteorological changes in the coming days to disperse smog. Despite recent intermittent fluctuations, Delhi's average November AQI this year matched previous years signaling sustained pollution crisis.

A recent study published in The BMJ discloses a startling impact of outdoor air pollution in India, attributing 2.18 million deaths annually to various sources. Fossil fuel-related emissions, including those from industry and transportation, contribute significantly. Globally, 5.1 million deaths annually are linked to such air pollution. The study suggests that phasing out fossil fuels could prevent a substantial number of these deaths, surpassing previous estimates. The health implications are profound, with common conditions like heart disease and stroke accounting for a majority of deaths. As COP28 climate change negotiations unfold, the study emphasizes the critical need for urgent policy actions prioritizing clean energy and public health.

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) predicts 2023 to be the warmest year on record, surpassing 2016 and 2020, citing a 1.40°C rise above the pre-industrial baseline. The provisional report, presented at the UN Climate Summit (COP28), underscores severe warming consequences. WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas urges immediate action, emphasizing the risk to glaciers and rising sea levels. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for leaders to act, presenting a roadmap to limit global temperature rise. CO2 levels at 50% higher than pre-industrial era contribute to irreversible climate damage, prompting urgent calls for decisive action at COP28.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) hit a severe level at 420, marking the third most polluted November since 2015. The Central Pollution Control Board reported an average AQI of 372 from November 1 to 29. As the city faces deteriorating air quality, the Union earth sciences ministry's Safar predicts light rain and overcast conditions. With concerns rising over pollution, Delhiites hope for relief as the mercury drops to 13°C. The situation remains critical, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained efforts to address the capital's air quality crisis.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has activated a “severe weather emergency protocol” for London as snow is predicted to hit later this week. He implemented measures to shelter the homeless during the below-freezing nights. Khan stated the protocol means, "emergency accommodation across the capital would be opened for homeless people, with 'charities and local councils...working around the clock to help them'." Britain's Met Office warned parts of Scotland could see up to 5cm of snow. England could also get fairly widespread snowfall in the unusual cold blast from the Arctic. Though rare, officials prepped for London getting measurable snow too as bitter winds brought wintry conditions down from Scandinavia. Khan initiated the emergency protocol for the worst as experts predicted flash freeze and snow, hitting London amid nationwide winter warnings.