The UK is bracing for "nasty" Storm Darragh, with the Met Office issuing a rare red warning for wind in parts of Wales and South West England from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday. Gusts over 90mph, heavy rain, and snow on northern hills are expected, causing power outages, fallen trees, and coastal waves. Flood risks remain high in saturated areas, with up to 90mm of rain forecast in South Wales. Airlines have warned of travel disruptions, and the Welsh FA has postponed all football matches tomorrow. Authorities have alerted millions of residents to the "risk to life."

Storm Darragh, the season's fourth named storm, has triggered severe red wind warnings across coastal areas of Wales, southwest England, and parts of Ireland. Winds up to 90mph are expected, causing "danger to life" due to flying debris, fallen trees, and large waves. The warnings are active from early Saturday morning, with significant travel disruptions and power outages anticipated. Scotland faces snow and heavy rainfall, while amber and yellow warnings remain for other regions. The Met Office advises caution as disruption may persist through the weekend. Winds are expected to ease Sunday, but cold and frost may follow next week.

Scientists predict the Arctic may experience its first ice-free day by 2027, with sea ice reduced to below 1 million sq km, according to a study in Nature Communications. Arctic ice is melting at an alarming rate of over 12% per decade, exacerbated by climate change. Researchers from Colorado University and the University of Gothenburg warn that such events could accelerate global warming and disrupt ecosystems, including polar bears. While projections estimate ice-free conditions lasting up to 71 days, drastic carbon emission cuts could delay this phenomenon. Experts emphasize urgent climate action to mitigate devastating consequences.

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off northern California’s coast near Ferndale, causing minor damages but no major casualties. Initially, a tsunami warning was issued for northern California and southern Oregon, affecting 4.7 million people, but it was later cancelled. Over 10,000 residents in Humboldt County experienced power outages, and minor structural damages were reported. Eyewitnesses described intense shaking and aftershocks. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to coordinate the response. The US Geological Survey reported this as the ninth 7.0 magnitude quake globally this year, highlighting the region's vulnerability to tectonic activity.  

Delhi’s air quality has improved, with the AQI recorded at 161 in the 'moderate' category, according to the CPCB. The Supreme Court has allowed the withdrawal of GRAP-IV measures, which were implemented to combat severe pollution.   The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) had restricted the use of older diesel vehicles and heavy goods vehicles, except for essential services. Delhi faced severe pollution post-Diwali, causing health concerns for residents. The city’s air quality was previously in the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories due to stubble burning and weather conditions. Authorities continue monitoring to maintain better air quality.

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck Mulugu, Telangana, at 7:27 AM on Wednesday. The quake, at a depth of 40 km, is the second-largest in the state in 55 years. Tremors were felt across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Experts attribute the quake to the Godavari fault zone. Although aftershocks are possible, scientists advise there is no need to panic. Telangana lies in Zone II, a low-risk seismic zone. Residents reported ceiling fans swinging and items falling. Experts urge stricter building standards to ensure safety, citing past disasters where earthquake-resistant designs saved lives.

A rare 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Telangana's Mulugu district at 7:27 AM on Wednesday, causing tremors in Hyderabad and parts of Andhra Pradesh. The National Center for Seismology reported no immediate casualties or major damage. Residents were advised to stay alert and avoid unsafe structures. Telangana, typically in seismic Zone II, rarely experiences such events. X user Telangana Weatherman noted it as the strongest quake in 20 years for the region. India has four seismic zones, with 59% of its landmass prone to earthquakes. Authorities are assessing the situation while residents remain cautious.

Cyclone Fengal's remnants continue to wreak havoc after making landfall near Puducherry and Tamil Nadu on November 30. Torrential rains have flooded parts of Tamil Nadu, with schools and colleges closed in multiple districts. The Puducherry government announced ₹5,000 relief for affected ration cardholders. The Army and NDRF rescued residents from inundated areas. The IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Karnataka and Kerala, issuing red alerts in five northern Kerala districts. Schools remain shut across affected regions, with Bengaluru and Dakshina Kannada bracing for more rain. Tamil Nadu has sought ₹2,000 crore in interim relief from the central government.

The UK is bracing for sub-zero temperatures overnight, with rural areas, particularly in Scotland, expected to plummet to -10°C, forecasters warned. Sky News weather producer Chris England highlighted a widespread frost, while parts of Northern Ireland and north Wales may dip to -6°C. Tuesday will bring dry conditions for England and Wales, though rain and snow may impact Scotland and Northern Ireland. Snow is likely on higher ground above 400m, with limited impact at lower levels. This sharp drop follows a milder weekend when Cardiff recorded 16.4°C. Northerly winds could bring further freezing temperatures by the weekend, meteorologists predicted.

Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on November 30 near Puducherry, has weakened into a low-pressure area, moving towards Kerala and Karnataka. Puducherry recorded 48.6 cm rainfall in 24 hours, the highest in 30 years, causing severe flooding. Schools and colleges remain closed, and rescue operations by the Army and NDRF continue. Tamil Nadu also faces disruptions, with four fatalities reported, mostly from electrocution. Chennai’s transport systems were severely impacted, while overflowing lakes in Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu raised flood risks. IMD issued an orange alert for Bengaluru as the weakened cyclone moves westward. Sri Lanka and India reported 19 combined fatalities.