An intense cold wave continued to grip North India on Friday, with Delhi enduring its fifth consecutive day of freezing temperatures and dense fog. Visibility at Delhi Airport dropped to 50 metres, disrupting traffic and potentially affecting non-CAT III compliant flights. Schools in Noida are closed, while Bihar's government has altered school timings to 9 am-4 pm until January 6. Rajasthan’s Fatehpur recorded a low of 3.6°C, while parts of Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh also faced severe conditions. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning, forecasting dense fog and partly cloudy skies in the region.

The Met Office has issued warnings for ice and snow across parts of the UK. An ice warning is in effect from Thursday evening to Friday morning, covering areas in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northwest England. Snow warnings will start on Saturday and last until Monday morning, affecting most of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland. Snowfall of up to 30 cm is expected in higher regions, with temperatures dropping to -10°C in some areas. Travel delays, power cuts, and disruptions to phone services are possible. People are advised to prepare for icy roads and potential power outages.

All schools in Noida for classes up to 8 have been ordered to close from January 2 until further notice due to severe cold and dense fog. The order applies to schools under all boards, including CBSE, ICSE, and state boards. District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma stated that the decision was made to protect children from harsh weather. Schools violating the closure order will face strict action. Temperatures in Noida range between 8°C and 17°C, with fog expected until January 6, according to the India Meteorological Department. Parents are advised to stay updated on further announcements.

The UK faces a three-day yellow snow warning from Saturday midday until Monday morning, impacting England (excluding the South West), Wales, and parts of Scotland. Forecasters predict heavy snowfall, with temperatures plunging to -10°C in northern areas. Up to 30 cm of snow is expected on high ground, while power cuts, travel delays, and potential rural isolation are warned. Greater Manchester declared a major incident after floods forced evacuations and disrupted transport. The Met Office advises motorists to prepare for hazardous conditions and pack essentials. Weather alerts continue for snow, ice, and freezing fog across various regions.

Delhi experienced cold day conditions for the third consecutive day as the maximum temperature dropped to 15°C, 4.3°C below normal. The minimum temperature stood at 7.4°C. Shallow fog in the morning and hazy sunshine marked the day. The cold wave also impacted north India, including Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Relief is anticipated after January 3, with improved visibility and slightly warmer days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts below-normal rainfall for north India from January to March, potentially affecting rabi crops. Western disturbances, crucial for winter rains, are expected to be less impactful this season.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Punjab and Haryana, forecasting cold day conditions and temperatures 4.5°C below normal. A western disturbance is expected to bring light to moderate rainfall across northwest India from January 4, with heavy snowfall predicted in Jammu & Kashmir. Temperatures are set to rise by 2-4°C in the plains. Coldwave conditions are also intensifying in Kashmir, with fresh spells of snowfall throughout the week, while Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand will experience further temperature drops. J&K recorded sub-zero temperatures, including Gulmarg at -11.5°C.

New Year's Eve celebrations across the UK face widespread cancellations as severe weather grips the nation. Edinburgh's Hogmanay outdoor events, including fireworks, have been called off due to safety concerns from high winds and heavy rain. Similar cancellations affect Blackpool, Ripon, and events on the Isle of Wight. The Met Office has issued weather warnings, with parts of Scotland seeing amber alerts for rain and wind speeds up to 75mph predicted in coastal areas on January 1. Disruptions to travel are expected nationwide, with rail and road services impacted. London's celebrations remain under review as the UK braces for a stormy start to 2025.

Delhi and surrounding regions brace for a severe cold wave and dense fog as temperatures drop significantly ahead of the New Year. The Safdarjung area recorded 15°C, 5°C below normal, while Palam saw 13°C, 7°C below average. Dense fog is expected to persist in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh until January 1, affecting visibility and travel. Northeastern states, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan will also face similar conditions. While air quality in Delhi improved to a "moderate" AQI of 183, the meteorological department forecasts worsening cold and fog in Northwest India over the coming days.

Experts caution against a 1-in-6 chance of a massive volcanic eruption this century, potentially causing global climate chaos. Drawing parallels to the 1815 Mount Tambora eruption in Indonesia, which triggered a "year without summer," scientists predict significant cooling effects from released gases, dust, and rock. However, the temporary cooling won't counteract ongoing climate change, worsened by melting ice caps and increased rainfall. Dr. Markus Stoffel of the University of Geneva emphasized humanity's lack of preparation, urging global disaster strategies. Recent eruptions, such as Hawaii’s Kilauea, highlight the urgency for proactive measures to mitigate economic and ecological devastation.

North India braces for a severe cold wave as temperatures are predicted to drop by 3-5°C, according to the IMD. Heavy rains and dense fog are expected in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan through December 30, with parts of Himachal Pradesh set to experience severe cold wave conditions on December 30-31. Kashmir witnessed its season's first snowfall, disrupting travel and blanketing the region. West and Central India will also see a 3-5°C dip, while East India temperatures may fall by 2-4°C. The New Year will begin with chilly weather, impacting daily life across multiple regions.