Delhi AQI Improves but Stays 'Very Poor'; Grap-III Measures Reinstated

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:50am on 12 Jan 2025,Sunday Weather & Environment

Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) improved slightly to 327 but remains in the 'very poor' category. Neighbouring areas like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad reported 'poor' AQIs between 201-222. On January 11, Delhi’s AQI exceeded 400, with some zones recording over 450. The Central Pollution Control Board reinstated Stage 3 anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (Grap) due to rising pollution from unfavorable weather. Measures were lifted on January 5 but returned on January 9. Light rain forecast by the IMD could further improve air quality in the coming days.

Read More at Business Standard

Highland Village Records UK's Coldest January Night in 15 Years at -18.9°C

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:48am on 12 Jan 2025,Sunday Weather & Environment

Temperatures plunged to -18.9°C in the Highland village of Roybridge, Scotland, marking the UK’s coldest January night since 2010. The average January low for northern Scotland is 0.3°C. Over 50 schools were shut in the Highlands, with closures in Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Shetland as freezing weather persisted. The UK Health Security Agency extended its cold weather alert until January 14, warning of increased health risks. Milder air is forecast from Sunday, with temperatures reaching 10-14°C next week, potentially causing snowmelt and flooding. Scottish Water reported a 30% rise in burst pipes due to the extreme cold.

Read More at BBC

Britain Faces Coldest Night in 15 Years as Temperature Drops to -18.7°C

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:07pm on 11 Jan 2025,Saturday Weather & Environment

Britain recorded its coldest January night in 15 years, with temperatures plunging to -18.7°C in Altnaharra, Scotland. The last such extreme cold was in 2010 when Altnaharra hit -22.3°C. Other areas, like Shap in Cumbria, saw lows of -11°C, while Heathrow dropped to -5°C. The average January lows are 0.3°C in Scotland and around 1.5°C in England. The UK Health Security Agency extended a cold weather alert until January 14, warning of increased health risks, especially for older people. While temperatures are set to rise slightly next week, the Met Office warns the weather will still feel chilly.

Read More at The Telegraph UK

Dense Fog in Delhi, Noida Delays 45 Trains, Flight Operations Normal; Rain and Thunderstorm Expected

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:10am on 11 Jan 2025,Saturday Weather & Environment

Dense fog in parts of Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad on January 11 caused disruptions, delaying over 100 flights and 45 trains. The fog reduced visibility to zero in several areas, prompting multiple advisories from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) to keep passengers informed about flight statuses. Despite low visibility procedures, flight operations remained unaffected. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached ‘severe’ levels at 409 in the morning, later settling at 397. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rain and thunderstorms for the weekend along with continued foggy conditions in the morning.

Read More at Hindustan Times

NHS Faces Winter Pressure in the UK as Bad as Pandemic, With A&E Strains and Flu Surge

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:24am on 10 Jan 2025,Friday Weather & Environment

NHS bosses warn that current pressures in accident-and-emergency units in the UK are as severe as during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Flu cases continue to rise, with over 5,400 patients hospitalized daily in England. NHS England's Prof Sir Stephen Powis described the situation as "exceptional," with some frontline workers saying the strain mirrors pandemic days. With cold weather compounding the crisis, around 20 NHS trusts have declared critical incidents. Long waits for ambulances and A&E treatment are common, raising concerns about emergency services. Flu cases are more than three times higher than this time last year.

Read More at BBC

Los Angeles Wildfires: Death Toll Rises To 10, 10,000+ Structures Destroyed

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:49am on 10 Jan 2025,Friday Weather & Environment

The death toll from Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 10, as per the county coroner's office. Fires, fueled by strong winds, continue to devastate Southern California, burning over 10,000 structures and displacing thousands. The blaze, which started on Tuesday, has ravaged the Los Angeles area, including the Pacific Palisades and parts of Hollywood. Firefighters are battling multiple fronts, struggling to contain the flames amid challenging conditions. Authorities have warned residents to stay vigilant as evacuation orders remain in effect. The destruction has severely impacted the region, leaving communities shattered and in urgent need of assistance.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Dense Fog Engulfs Delhi-NCR, Disrupts 270 Flights, Severe AQI at 409

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:45am on 10 Jan 2025,Friday Weather & Environment

Delhi and North India faced a dense fog and severe cold wave on Friday, reducing visibility to zero in several areas. Over 270 flights were delayed, and 6 cancelled at Delhi airport, while train services saw delays of up to 8 hours. The AQI in Delhi deteriorated to 409, reaching the severe category. A multi-vehicle collision in Uttar Pradesh injured several due to poor visibility. The IMD has predicted rainfall and hailstorms in North India. Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kashmir experienced freezing temperatures, with warnings for extreme cold, fog, and frost across multiple states.

Read More at India Today

Cold Wave Intensifies in Kashmir as Pahalgam Shivers at -10.4°C

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:32pm on 09 Jan 2025,Thursday Weather & Environment

A severe cold wave has gripped Kashmir, with temperatures plummeting below freezing across the Valley. Pahalgam recorded the lowest temperature at minus 10.4°C, followed by Gulmarg at minus 9.6°C. Srinagar also experienced a significant drop, settling at minus 4.4°C. Clear skies and bright sunshine over the past days have contributed to the plummeting temperatures. The region is currently in the 'Chillai-Kalan,' the harshest winter period. The Met Office forecasts continued cold conditions and possible light rain or snow at isolated spots in the coming days.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Stage III Anti-Pollution Rules Back in Delhi as AQI Worsens

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:03pm on 09 Jan 2025,Thursday Weather & Environment

Delhi's air quality worsened as the AQI rose to 357 on January 9 from 297 the day before. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reinstated Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Stage I and II restrictions will also remain in force. Calm winds and dense fog have worsened pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. Citizens are urged to follow GRAP rules to help reduce pollution. Delhi’s minimum temperature was 5°C, adding to the discomfort. Authorities will continue monitoring air quality closely to decide on further measures.

Read More at Hindustan Times

Schools Shut Across UK as Snowfall Brings -15°C Freeze

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:22pm on 09 Jan 2025,Thursday Weather & Environment

Schools in parts of the UK are closed today after heavy snow and freezing temperatures. The Met Office issued warnings for snow and ice, with the cold dropping to -15°C overnight. Areas like Devon and Yorkshire have been hit hard, forcing many schools to shut. Castle Cary Primary School in Somerset also closed due to a broken boiler caused by the weather. Meanwhile, most schools in Bristol managed to stay open. Families can check school closures using the government’s postcode tool. Children in affected areas are enjoying snow days as the icy weather continues to disrupt daily life.

Read More at Mirror

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