Nations Adopt Historic Climate Deal to 'Transition Away' From Fossil Fuels at COP28 in UAE

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:55am on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday Weather & Environment

United Nations climate negotiations approved a historic deal on transitioning away from fossil fuels, despite worries over loopholes. The COP28 summit's central accord directs the world to move from planet-warming fuels in line with climate science to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Although falling short of demands to "phase out" fossil fuels, the pact marks the first time they are explicitly targeted. It calls for emissions to peak by 2025 but allows wiggle room for nations like China. Critics say vague language still enables expansion. But the president dubbed it an "enhanced, balanced" breakthrough. Island states complained it lacks transformational change, as activists decried continued loopholes allowing major producers to keep increasing output.

Read More at The Indian Express

UK to be Battered by More Heavy Rain as Twin Storms Elin and Fergus Combine Forces

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:41pm on 10 Dec 2023,Sunday Weather & Environment

The UK will remain pounded by heavy rains this week as twin storms Elin and Fergus combine forces, prompting four yellow weather warnings for rain in place for Monday. The Met Office warned of downpours across Scotland, northwest England and West Yorkshire. It said though a brief respite may come on Monday, "further unsettled weather likely Tuesday" when another low-pressure moves in, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and strong coastal winds. Elin caused rail disruptions Saturday while motorists were left stranded in surface flood water in various places. "Although there will be a brief drier interlude for many on Monday, further unsettled weather is likely on Tuesday," the Met said. Sunday brought Storm Fergus with two rain bands over most of Britain, worst hitting Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Read More at The Guardian

6 Dead Including Child After Tornado Ravage Tennessee: Dozens More Injured Under Battered Houses

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:31pm on 10 Dec 2023,Sunday Weather & Environment

At least six people were killed across two Tennessee counties after gut-wrenching tornadoes barrelled through the state on Saturday. Multiple twisters were sighted with residents reporting them in Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. Three confirmed deaths were in Montgomery County, including a child, with over 20 injured being treated. Nashville Emergency Center separately confirmed another three storm-related fatalities. Municipalities reported injuries, homes destroyed, and power outages as the severe weather ravaged Tennessee. Several videos emerged on social media showing the tornadoes wreaking havoc across the South, including one from a wrestling school in Madison showing a huge explosion caused by the tornedo.

Read More at The Weather Channel

Storm Elin and Fergus Unleash Chaos: UK and Ireland Braced for Heavy Rain, Wind, and Flooding

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:03pm on 09 Dec 2023,Saturday Weather & Environment

The UK is facing a wet and blustery weekend as the Met Office issues multiple weather warnings across the country. Areas near the Irish Sea could see gusts up to 70mph, with 45-55mph winds likely for much of England and Wales. Heavy rains up to 80mm are also expected in parts of the UK, raising flood concerns. The stormy weather arises from a band of wind and rain moving northeast throughout Saturday. While the rain and wind should subside by Saturday night, more unsettled weather is forecast through Sunday and into next week. Northern Ireland, Scotland and northwestern England are poised to bear the brunt of the storm's impacts, though flooding and travel delays could occur more widely. Residents are advised to brace for power cuts and avoid non-essential travel.

Read More at The Independent

Earthquake Double Jolt: Rajkot, Gujarat, and Vijayapura, Karnataka Hit by Quakes of Magnitude 3.9 and 3.1

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:01am on 08 Dec 2023,Friday Weather & Environment

In a seismic double whammy, Rajkot district in Gujarat and Vijayapura district in Karnataka experienced earthquakes today. The Rajkot tremor, measuring 3.9 on the Richter Scale, struck at 9 am, with the epicenter located 133km NNW of Rajkot. Simultaneously, Vijayapura felt the impact of a 3.1 magnitude quake at 6:52 am. The National Center for Seismology reported the details, emphasizing the depth of 20 km for Rajkot and 10 km for Vijayapura. Thankfully, no major damages have been reported, but the incidents highlight the seismic activity in these regions.            

Read More at The Economic Times

Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Shakes Central Mexico, No Immediate Reports of Damage

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:23am on 08 Dec 2023,Friday Weather & Environment

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 struck central Mexico, rattling buildings in the capital and prompting residents to spill onto the streets. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quake's epicenter in the central state of Puebla, south of Mexico City, at a depth of 27 miles. Despite earthquake alarms sounding across Mexico City, there are currently no immediate reports of damage. Mayor Marti Batres assured the public in a social media post, and the governor of Puebla confirmed no damage in the state. The quake triggered a brief disruption, with residents feeling the tremors in various parts of the capital.

Read More at NDTV

7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu, Triggers Tsunami Warning

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:41pm on 07 Dec 2023,Thursday Weather & Environment

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit south of Vanuatu, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on Thursday. Initially noted as a 7.3 magnitude quake, the USGS later revised its report. The offshore quake occurred at 1256 GMT, with a depth of 48 kilometers, approximately 123 kilometers south of Isangel and 338 kilometers from the capital, Port Vila. A tsunami warning has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, cautioning of potential hazardous waves within 300 kilometers of the epicenter along the coasts of Vanuatu and New Caledonia. No immediate reports of damage have been received.            

Read More at NDTV

Met Office Issues Urgent Flood Alerts Across UK as Heavy Rain Poses Severe Threat

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:51am on 07 Dec 2023,Thursday Weather & Environment

The Met Office has raised alarms with yellow warnings and flood alerts across the UK due to heavy rain forecasted to continue on already saturated ground. Homes and businesses are at risk of flooding, prompting search and rescue operations, such as the evacuation of a flooded caravan park near Yeovil. The River Severn's overflow in Worcester amplifies concerns, and there are fears of flooding in regions where snow is melting away. Neil Armstrong, the chief forecaster, underscores the potential for substantial rainfall, reaching up to 80mm in certain areas, with eastern Scotland possibly experiencing up to 100mm. The situation is expected to worsen, exacerbating flood risks.            

Read More at Express

UK to get White Christmas this year: Met Office predicts snow during the festive season

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:04pm on 06 Dec 2023,Wednesday Weather & Environment

The UK is facing the prospect of more snow and icy conditions in the lead up to Christmas, according to the latest predictions from the Met Office. After a week of wintry weather last week that brought up to 30cm of snow in parts of the country, the long range forecast warns of another spell of unsettled and potentially hazardous weather. It says there is an increased chance of cold conditions, snow and ice setting in from late December into early January. Though temperatures are expected to briefly rise this weekend, colder air could arrive next week. The Met Office has told Britons to brace for disrupted travel and slippery conditions over the holidays. Last year saw snow recorded at 9% of monitoring stations on December 25.

Read More at GBN

500-Mile Storm Front Bringing up to 30cm Snow and Freezing Rain to Batter UK Overnight

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:21am on 06 Dec 2023,Wednesday Weather & Environment

New weather maps indicate a massive front of snow and icy rain approaching Britain from the east, set to make landfall within hours. The inclement weather spans over 500 miles across Europe and will blast much of the UK with freezing temperatures, snow, sleet and rain. The system is forecast to dump up to 30cm of snow in parts of Scotland and northern England. Further south, including London and the midlands, will see a wintry mix of rain, sleet and freezing rain that could glaze surfaces in ice and impaired travel. Meteorologists warn the snow and icy conditions could combine with winds gusting up to 80km/h to create blizzard conditions and severely impact transport networks. They urge residents, especially across northern regions, to avoid travel if possible during the storm’s peak over the next 24-48 hours.

Read More at Express

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