The UK is set to experience chillier temperatures this week, with clearer skies following a dreary start to November. Frosts are expected across parts of north Wales, north-west England, and Scotland by Tuesday night, with daytime highs ranging from 8C in Scotland to 11C in the south. Northerly winds could add extra chill, particularly by Saturday, with the possibility of snow in the Scottish Highlands. Met Office meteorologist Zoe Hutin warned that temperatures would drop, particularly during overnight periods, signaling the onset of colder conditions for the coming days.

Pakistan’s Punjab province has restricted most outdoor activities and closed educational institutions, parks, and zoos in Lahore and other major cities like Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala until Nov. 17. With Lahore ranking as the world’s most polluted city, air quality in some areas has reached a hazardous level of 600 on the AQI, spurring increased cases of respiratory and eye diseases. Essential businesses, such as pharmacies, are exempt from closures. UNICEF warns of severe health risks for over 11 million young children. Punjab attributes much of the pollution to cross-border emissions from India, where similar pollution measures are underway.

A NASA satellite image has revealed a dense blanket of toxic smog covering Lahore and New Delhi, highlighting the severe pollution affecting northern India and eastern Pakistan. Lahore, ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, has hit record pollution levels, with an AQI score of 1165. In New Delhi, the AQI is around 350. The hazardous levels have forced Pakistani authorities to close schools until November 17 to protect children from exposure. Multan also recorded an AQI above 2,000 last week. The pollution is mainly due to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and agricultural stubble burning.

The UK has been under “anticyclonic gloom” for over a week, with barely any sunshine, especially in southern England, which saw only an hour of sun on average this month. The Met Office reported that the high-pressure system trapped moisture, creating a dull, cloudy atmosphere. ITV weather presenter Becky Mantin noted that some areas, like Odiham in Hampshire, recorded zero minutes of sun so far in November. Forecasters predict a shift starting Sunday, bringing rain to parts of Scotland and clearing skies across the UK. By Monday, most regions should see brighter, drier weather with some much-needed sunshine.

Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution as the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains in the 'very poor' category. As of Sunday morning, the AQI was recorded at 335, with areas like Akshardham and Anand Vihar reaching AQI levels of 351 and 383, respectively. Doctors have reported a surge in respiratory illnesses, including exacerbated asthma and COPD symptoms. Dr. Nikhil Modi, a senior consultant, recommended school closures for children, highlighting the risk posed by hazardous air quality. The pollution crisis has been attributed to stubble burning in neighboring states, with no immediate relief in sight.

Pakistan's air pollution crisis has reached alarming levels, with Multan's Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 2,135, prompting the Punjab government to shut down schools, parks, and museums in several districts for 10 days. Seven Pakistani cities now rank among the world's most polluted, with Multan, the largest city in south Punjab, bearing the brunt of hazardous smog. The closures, effective from November 8 to 17, aim to mitigate the health risks associated with the toxic air. This public health emergency underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat Pakistan's worsening air pollution problem.

The Centre has increased the stubble burning fine in Delhi and surrounding areas to address the region's worsening air quality. Under the new rules, farmers with land less than two acres will face a ₹5,000 fine, while those with land between two and five acres will be fined ₹10,000. Farmers with more than five acres of land will be fined ₹30,000. This decision follows the Supreme Court's reprimand of the Centre for not addressing the air quality crisis. On Thursday, Delhi-NCR’s air quality remained hazardous, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 362, approaching 'severe' levels in several areas.

For the first time in history, Al-Jawf, Saudi Arabia, witnessed snowfall, turning its arid desert landscape into a rare winter scene. The snowfall followed a period of heavy rain and hail, which also resulted in the creation of waterfalls and the rejuvenation of dry valleys. Local residents woke up to a snow-covered landscape, with mountains and valleys blanketed in white. The Saudi Press Agency reported that this unusual weather pattern could lead to a vibrant spring, as the rainfall and snow could encourage seasonal flowers and aromatic plants to bloom, enhancing the region's natural beauty.

Delhi's air quality has plunged into the "severe" category following Diwali celebrations, despite the government's ban on firecrackers. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in several areas exceeded 400, with some locations like Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Lajpat Nagar recording alarming levels of 910 and 959, respectively. The city's poor air quality is attributed to various factors, including stubble burning, industrial activities, and vehicle emissions, which account for 40% of PM2.5 emissions. This severe air pollution has serious health implications, with estimated deaths and economic losses mounting. Relief is unlikely in the short term.

Delhi's air quality hit the "severe" category Monday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding 400 in multiple areas, including Anand Vihar (433) and Wazirpur (414). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes the spike to calm winds, low temperatures, and high humidity, which prevent pollutant dispersion. CAQM responded by enforcing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), fining 597 construction sites and penalizing 54,000 vehicles lacking pollution-control certification. Additional measures include deploying anti-smog guns, water sprinklers, and road-sweeping machines across the National Capital Region. IMD forecasts mist and low wind speeds, worsening conditions through Wednesday.