The UK is bracing for an Arctic blast starting December 19th, 2024, with temperatures plummeting to -3°C and widespread snowfall. Scotland, northern England, Wales, and the Midlands will be hardest hit, while southern areas may see sleet and freezing conditions. The cold snap threatens travel disruptions and business impacts as Christmas approaches, urging preparedness and flexibility from individuals and businesses alike.
A blanket of snow has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into a winter paradise, with Sonamarg, Gurez, Karnah, and Pahalgam receiving heavy snowfall. While the picturesque scenery delights, the snowfall has also caused significant travel disruptions, prompting road closures and warnings to commuters.
A brutal winter storm has slammed South Korea, causing widespread disruption and claiming at least four lives. Record snowfall in Seoul led to flight cancellations, ferry suspensions, and deadly structural collapses. The impact extends beyond Seoul, with traffic accidents and disruptions reported nationwide.
For the first time in recorded history, Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jawf region experienced snowfall, blanketing the desert in a winter wonderland. This unprecedented event has captured the attention of the world, with stunning images and videos going viral across social media. The snowfall, which is attributed to a larger weather pattern, is expected to bring a vibrant spring to the region.
The first snowfall of the season transformed Changu Valley in East Sikkim into a picturesque winter wonderland. While the snow brought joy and scenic beauty, it also caused travel disruptions and highlighted the challenges of winter tourism in the region. From road closures to landslides, the early arrival of winter has posed logistical challenges for both residents and tourists.
Gulmarg, a popular tourist destination in Kashmir, received its first snowfall of the season on October 6th. The weather forecast predicts dry days for the next ten days, but a La Nina event could bring colder-than-normal temperatures to northern India later this season. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is expected in parts of South India and Northeast India.
Amidst the sweltering heat in the plains, many tourists have sought refuge in the hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh. The recent snowfall in Manali and rainfall in various parts of the state have brought much-needed relief from the scorching temperatures.
Unseasonable snowfall has blanketed the picturesque hill stations of Kullu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India, prompting concerns about climate change. While some revel in the beauty of the snowfall, others express worry as it is an unusual occurrence for this time of year. The snowfall, brought by a western disturbance, has led to road closures and traffic disruptions, but is expected to subside from April 30th. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert and predicts further hailstorms in the coming days, keeping temperatures low. The snowfall has been observed in higher altitudes including Shimla, Chamba, Sirmaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur, with Koksar and Hansa experiencing significant accumulation. The western disturbance has also brought rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms to the region.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Kupwara district, where heavy rain has caused a flood-like situation. Fresh snowfall has been reported in Bandipora district and the Machil sector of Kupwara. The incessant rain has also led to flooding in some areas of Handwara, prompting the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority to declare a school holiday in Kupwara. The India Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, along with widespread snowfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
