The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Chandigarh has declared a 'red alert' for the Union Territory, forecasting a continued drop in temperatures over the next two days. Chandigarh recently experienced its coldest night of the season at 5.3 degrees Celsius. The daytime temperatures have consistently remained lower than Srinagar for three consecutive days, with Chandigarh recording a maximum of 12 degrees Celsius compared to Srinagar's 13 degrees Celsius. The IMD attributes the temperature disparity to persistent fog cover in Chandigarh, urging residents to take precautions against the cold spell. An 'orange alert' is anticipated for the subsequent three days.

A magnitude 4.3 earthquake rattled Afghanistan's Hindukush region at 4.51 am on Friday, marking the second quake in 24 hours. The National Center for Seismology reported the quake's depth at 17 kilometers with no reported damages or casualties. The previous day witnessed a stronger magnitude 6.1 quake in the same area, causing tremors in Delhi, North India, Lahore (Pakistan), and parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing preparedness in the quake-prone region.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake originating in Afghanistan sent tremors through Delhi-NCR and surrounding areas today at 2:50 pm IST. The National Center for Seismology confirmed the epicenter's location at Lat: 36.48, Long: 70.45, with a depth of 220 km. Panic ensued as people in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and Gurugram reported shaking furniture. The quake also reached Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, and cities in Pakistan. No casualties or property damage have been reported. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as people recover from the unexpected seismic activity.

Delhi experienced its coldest day this winter, with the minimum temperature plummeting to 5.3°C, marking a chilling start to the day. The city also recorded its lowest maximum temperature in two years at 13.4°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a "yellow alert" for Wednesday, expecting the maximum temperature to hover around 16°C. Uttar Pradesh witnessed even harsher conditions, with Kanpur and Agra recording minimum temperatures below freezing at 1.1°C and 1.0°C, respectively. Night shelters in Delhi are actively providing refuge, offering blankets, beds, hot water, and food. The IMD forecasts dense fog until January 14 and predicts rains in southern states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, coastal Karnataka, and Lakshadweep islands in the coming days.      

Experts have confirmed that 2023 was Earth's hottest year since records began in 1850. According to a climate report released Tuesday by Copernicus, Europe's climate change monitoring service, 2023 had an average global temperature of 14.98°C, surpassing 2016's previous record of 14.81°C by a significant margin. The report highlights the numerous extreme weather events that occurred last year, including unprecedented heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires. It also shows that greenhouse gas concentrations reached new record highs in 2023. Experts say the current El Niño conditions will likely drive temperatures even higher in 2024. They emphasize that urgent emissions reductions are needed to avoid crossing dangerous climate tipping points as the planet continues to warm at an alarming rate.

Facing the coldest day of the month, Delhi established 190 tents providing shelter for approximately 8,000 homeless individuals. With temperatures dropping to 5.3 degrees Celsius, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) deployed standby tents as needed. DUSIB Member Expert Bipin Rai stated, "Approximately 8,000 people have been staying in the tents set up by the DUSIB at night." The initiative, part of the city's winter action plan, includes rescue teams, medical assistance, and meals three times a day. As winter intensifies, the government aims to ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations.

The Indian Meteorological Department issues 'Cold Day' to 'Severe Cold Day' warnings for Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan until January 9. Delhi experiences its coldest day as temperatures drop to 5.3°C. Dense fog alerts cover Haryana-Chandigarh, affecting visibility in northern regions. Meanwhile, heavy rains persist in Tamil Nadu, with warnings extended till January 14. Southern states face waterlogging, leading to school closures in Puducherry. IMD predicts isolated rainfall in northern and central India, while hailstorms are expected in east Rajasthan and west Madhya Pradesh. The weather agency highlights ongoing weather challenges in different parts of the country.

Delhi faces its coldest day this month as temperatures drop to 5.3°C, matching Nainital's cold spell. Indian Meteorological Department predicts a cold day to severe cold day conditions in parts of Delhi, with a chance of light rain or drizzle on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rajasthan braces for rain and hailstorms as cold wave conditions persist. The forecast extends to parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar facing dense fog. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Lakshadweep anticipate rainfall, with isolated heavy rain in Tamil Nadu. Western Disturbance prompts light isolated rainfall or snowfall in Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad and Himachal Pradesh.

Snowfall blankets central London as an ice warning adds to travel concerns across southern England and Wales. The Met Office issues a yellow warning until early Tuesday, cautioning about wintry showers and icy patches. Temperatures, not expected to rise above 3C, coupled with strong winds, intensify the cold, making it feel like -3C. Commuters are advised to plan routes, expect delays, and exercise caution on roads. An amber health alert is in effect for the north-west, West Midlands, East Midlands, and south-west, anticipating prolonged cold impacts. The public is urged to check on vulnerable individuals. The Met Office recommends using cat litter to mitigate slipping on icy surfaces.

As Delhi woke up to a bone-chilling morning with the mercury dropping to 5.3 degrees Celsius, 20 Delhi-bound trains faced delays due to adverse weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department reported a relative humidity of 95% at 8:30 am. The IMD predicts shallow fog throughout the day, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 17 degrees Celsius. The cold spell impacts transportation, causing disruptions in the morning commute. Commuters are advised to plan accordingly amid the winter chill gripping the national capital.