Partial Reopening of Blue Lagoon as Icelandic Earthquake Risk Diminishes

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:46pm on 18 Dec 2023,Monday Weather & Environment

Over a month after heightened seismic activity forced its closure, Iceland's renowned Blue Lagoon geothermal spa began a phased reopening on Sunday. The spa, facilities, and some dining reopened to limited daytime visitors, with hotels to follow on December 21 pending reassessment. Located on the volatile Reykjanes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon's restart came after new specialized protective barriers were installed, though infrastructure damage was reportedly minimal. Shutdown since November 9th amid risk of a volcanic eruption triggered by earthquakes, Iceland's authorities and the spa now deem partial operations safe to resume with tightened precautions. However, opening hours remain reduced as the geologic threat has faded but not fully passed.

Read More at Travel Weekly

Delhi Records Minimum Temperature at 6.5°C; Air Quality 'Very Poor'

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:49pm on 17 Dec 2023,Sunday Weather & Environment

Delhi experienced a warmer Sunday with the mercury reaching 24.7 degrees Celsius, three notches above average. The minimum temperature dipped to 6.5 degrees Celsius, below normal, while the air quality index (AQI) stood at 331, categorizing it as 'very poor.' Humidity levels ranged from 35% to 100%. Monday's forecast predicts a mainly clear sky with shallow morning fog, expecting temperatures around 24°C maximum and 7°C minimum. The persistently 'very poor' air quality raises concerns for residents as winter settles in the national capital.

Read More at NDTV

Grindavík Braces for Likely Volcanic Eruption as Magma Buildup Continues Nearby

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:26pm on 13 Dec 2023,Wednesday Weather & Environment

The Icelandic Met Office warns of a likely volcanic eruption on the Reykjanes peninsula as crustal uplift persists near Grindavík. Evacuated since November 10, over 3,000 residents await news on when it's safe to return. Damages to homes and infrastructure in Grindavík could hit ISK 10 billion, with 230 properties reported damaged. Blue Lagoon, a popular tourist spot, extends closure amid uncertainty. Seismic activity remains stable near Hagafell, but the risk persists. Authorities must reassess zoning plans before compensating damages. The community's fate hinges on when, or if, the impending eruption materializes.

Read More at Iceland Review

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

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