Chillai Kalan, Kashmir’s harshest winter period, began on Saturday with Srinagar recording its coldest December night in 50 years at minus 8.5°C. The local meteorological office issued a cold wave alert for Himachal Pradesh, predicting heavy snowfall and rain on December 23-24, and on December 27 at many places. An orange alert was issued for Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Mandi until December 24, while a yellow warning for cold waves and frost remains in effect for Chamba, Kangra, and Kullu until December 25. Cold wave conditions continue to impact the region, affecting agriculture and water supply.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings, predicting gusts up to 85mph across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and western England this weekend. Coastal areas face dangerous conditions with large waves. The disruptive weather aligns with holiday travel, risking delays in road, rail, air, and ferry services. Northern Scotland is set to experience the strongest winds Saturday afternoon. The RAC advises avoiding major routes during peak hours (1-7 PM) on Friday and Saturday. Winds will ease next week, but Christmas Eve and Day remain mild, with rain likely in northern regions.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings, forecasting gusts of up to 85mph across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England's western regions this weekend. Coastal areas face dangerous conditions with large waves. The disruptive weather coincides with holiday travel, potentially causing significant delays in road, rail, air, and ferry services. The strongest winds are expected Saturday afternoon in northern Scotland. The RAC warns drivers to avoid major routes during peak hours (1-7 PM) on Friday and Saturday. While winds ease next week, Christmas Eve and Day will be mild with rain likely in northern areas.

The Met Office has forecast no white Christmas this year, with mild and settled weather expected across the UK on 25 December. It will be cloudy and dry for most, with light winds, although parts of the far north may experience some rain. The agency also warned of strong winds affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland in the days leading up to Christmas, with gusts of up to 80mph in some areas. There has been no widespread snow on Christmas Day since 2010, and this year, hopes for a blanket of snow are unlikely to be fulfilled.

North India continues to shiver as cold wave conditions persist. Punjab's Faridkot recorded a minimum temperature of zero degrees Celsius on Tuesday. Amritsar followed with 2.6 degrees, while Haryana's Hisar shivered at 1.6 degrees. In Rajasthan, Karauli reported the lowest temperature at 1.3 degrees. Meanwhile, Kashmir’s Konibal recorded a freezing minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, the coldest in the region. Jharkhand’s Kanke district also saw temperatures drop to 2.5 degrees. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the cold wave will continue, with chances of light snowfall in Kashmir’s higher areas around December 21-22.

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, on Tuesday, causing landslides and flattening buildings, including one housing Western embassies. Power and mobile networks remain down, making it hard to assess the full damage. Reports say at least one person has died, and many others are injured. Cars were crushed, homes cracked, and aftershocks continue to shake the region. Rescue efforts are ongoing with limited resources. The US, UK, and New Zealand embassies sustained damage. Airlines have cancelled flights to Port Vila. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as recovery continues.

A severe cold wave is sweeping across India, with temperatures dipping to -10.6°C in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul and Spiti. Delhi recorded 4.5°C, prompting GRAP Stage 4 restrictions as air quality plunged to the "severe" category. In Kashmir, Srinagar froze at -3.4°C, while Rajasthan's Sikar district hit -0.4°C. Odisha's Similipal was coldest at 1°C, and Hyderabad saw temperatures drop to single digits. Punjab and Haryana also shivered, with lows around 0.6°C. The MeT department forecasts dry weather till December 26, with light snowfall expected in Kashmir's higher reaches on December 21-22.    

Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte on December 14, 2024, causing "apocalyptic scenes," according to locals. With winds over 225 km/h, many poor areas with sheet-metal roofs were flattened. "It feels like you are in the aftermath of a nuclear war," said resident Mohamed Ishmael. At least 20 people are confirmed dead, but the toll could rise to thousands, officials warn. Infrastructure is severely damaged, leaving 85% of the territory without power. "The images are apocalyptic. It's a disaster," said a nurse from Mamoudzou. Rescue workers are struggling due to impassable roads and downed power lines.

A French senator has raised alarm over the dire conditions in Mayotte following Cyclone Chido. "People are starting to die of thirst and hunger," said Senator Salama Ramia, speaking from a makeshift shelter. The cyclone, with wind speeds of 140mph, has devastated the island, destroying homes, schools, and hospitals. Many residents have been without water for three days, worsening an already severe drought. Authorities fear the death toll could reach several thousand as food and water shortages persist. French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau has arrived in Mayotte to assess the crisis and oversee relief efforts.

Delhi has implemented stricter anti-pollution measures as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed into the 'very poor' category. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-3) has been activated, banning non-essential construction and limiting vehicle emissions. Petrol vehicles failing BS-III norms and diesel vehicles under BS-IV standards are restricted in Delhi and surrounding areas. The cold wave, with temperatures dropping to 3.5°C, has worsened pollution levels. Diesel generators are allowed only in emergencies. Authorities hope the measures will reduce harmful air pollution affecting residents, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.