Storm Ashley, the first named storm of the season, is causing severe disruptions across the UK. The Met Office has issued yellow and amber warnings, forecasting wind speeds up to 80mph, particularly affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland. Coastal areas face a threat of large waves and flooding. Authorities warn of potential power cuts and transport delays, with motorists advised to avoid unnecessary travel. The Great South Run in Portsmouth has been cancelled due to safety concerns. The Environment Agency has issued 41 flood warnings and 132 flood alerts, affecting multiple regions.

Toxic white foam has formed on the River Yamuna near Kalindi Kunj in Delhi due to severe pollution, raising health concerns. Since Friday, the river has been covered in thick foam, which poses risks, particularly with the Chhath Puja festival approaching on November 5. This festival traditionally involves devotees taking dips in the river. The pollution has sparked widespread concern as videos of the foamy river have gone viral on social media. Authorities may need to take urgent measures to address the pollution to ensure the safety of participants during the upcoming festivities.

Delhi is currently experiencing thick smog, leading to a significant drop in air quality across the capital. Several areas have recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the 'very poor' category, exceeding 300. As of Saturday morning, Anand Vihar had an AQI of 334, Rohini 340, Mundka 372, Dwarka-Sector 8 343, Narela 328, and Jahangirpuri 353. This decline in air quality follows a period of poor conditions observed on Friday. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has identified 13 hotspots in Delhi where the AQI has risen above 300 in recent days, raising concerns about public health.

The first storm of the season, named Storm Ashley, is set to hit the UK and Ireland this weekend. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for parts of northern and western Scotland, expecting winds up to 80 mph. Rain and wind will begin on Sunday morning, with warnings also in place for parts of Ireland and Northern Ireland. While England and Wales will see wet weather, the worst conditions will be in Scotland. The storm is expected to develop rapidly, causing possible disruptions and coastal flooding.

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has announced 13 pollution hotspots where air quality has worsened, with the AQI exceeding 300. Areas like Narela, Bawana, and Okhla are among the most affected. To combat this, the government has formed a committee led by MCD officials to tackle local pollution sources. Dust has been identified as a major cause, and 80 mobile anti-smog guns will be used to control it. The committee will send daily reports to a ‘Pollution War Room’ to monitor the situation, as air pollution worsens with winter approaching.

Despite relief from the heat wave in early October, pollution levels in Delhi have surged, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuating between 250 and 300. Many areas are now classified as “very poor,” prompting an orange warning across much of the city. At India Gate, the AQI stands at 270, while Anand Vihar recorded a concerning 339. This rise in pollution is significantly impacting public health, as many regions are engulfed in smog. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions to mitigate health risks associated with the deteriorating air quality.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning about possible cyclones forming in the North Indian Ocean next week. Increased cyclonic activity is expected in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea around October 23-24. A cyclone may form near the North Andaman Sea on October 20 and could intensify as it moves towards Odisha. Although the Arabian Sea may also experience favorable conditions, experts believe the likelihood of a full cyclogenesis event there is minimal. The IMD advises caution and closely monitors these developments.

A powerful rainstorm battered Chennai and surrounding districts on Tuesday, causing widespread flooding and disruption. The city's infrastructure was overwhelmed, leaving residents stranded. Notably, superstar Rajinikanth's luxurious villa in Poes Garden was inundated, with floodwaters entering the premises. Essential services were severely impacted, and traffic chaos ensued. The heavy rainfall, which brought the city to a standstill, highlighted Chennai's vulnerability to extreme weather. Authorities are working to restore order and provide aid to affected areas.

Bengaluru has been hit by heavy rain since early Tuesday, leading to waterlogging and traffic jams across the city. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, and schools will be closed on Wednesday. Tech companies have been advised to implement work-from-home policies. Several areas, including Manyata Tech Park, have seen severe flooding. Major roads like ORR, Tumakuru Road, and Airport Road experienced gridlocks. The city’s flood management teams are on high alert, while more rain is expected until October 16, according to IMD forecasts.

Chennai is under a heavy rain alert, prompting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to advise IT companies to allow employees to work from home until October 18. Schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts will remain closed on October 15. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy rain over the next three days, leading to the cancellation of five flights and several trains due to waterlogging. The state has deployed 990 pumps and motorboats to mitigate flooding. An orange alert has been issued as a low-pressure area develops over the southeast Bay of Bengal.