Delhi NCR Air Pollution: AQI Crosses 400 Ahead of Diwali, GRAP Stage 3 Measures Enforced
Delhi NCR air pollution has intensified ahead of Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 400 at several key monitoring stations. The situation has raised concerns over public health and pollution levels across the national capital region. In response to deteriorating air quality, authorities have implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), bringing additional restrictions into force to limit pollution sources.
ISRO Satellite Detects New Weather System Over Bay of Bengal After Cyclone Arnab
A new weather system over the Bay of Bengal is showing signs of development just days after Cyclone Arnab moved away from India's eastern coast. Satellite observations from India's INSAT-3DS weather satellite have captured an organised cloud formation accompanied by intense thunderstorms over the southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Delhi-NCR Weather: Overnight Rain Brings Winter Chill, More Showers Forecast
Overnight rainfall brought a noticeable change in Delhi-NCR weather, lowering temperatures and giving residents a taste of winter. Several parts of the capital received steady showers late Thursday night, leaving roads wet and waterlogged as cloudy conditions continued across the region. The rainfall also coincided with an improvement in Delhi's air quality.
Cyclone Arnab Disrupts Andhra Pradesh: Flights Cancelled, Trains Hit and Coastal Areas on Alert
Cyclone Arnab has triggered widespread transport disruptions across Andhra Pradesh as the severe cyclonic storm approaches the coast. At least 21 flights were cancelled at Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports on Tuesday, while another 15 cancellations were scheduled for Wednesday, affecting services to Chennai, Bengaluru, Kadapa and Delhi. Airlines affected include IndiGo, Fly91 and Air India.
Brahmaputra River Flow and Flood Risk Could Rise This Century, China Study Warns
The Brahmaputra River could experience increased water flow and a greater risk of flooding this century, according to a study by Chinese researchers. The findings come as China builds a massive hydropower project on the river in Tibet, intensifying regional concerns about flood hazards, seismic risks and cross-border water security.
Cyclone Arnab Heads Towards Andhra Pradesh as IMD Issues Red Alert
Cyclone Arnab is strengthening over the Bay of Bengal and moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, according to the weather information provided in the latest report. Satellite observations have captured the storm’s tightly wound cloud bands and distinct central circulation, highlighting its organised structure.
Amur Falcons Return to Manipur After Crossing 23 Countries on Epic Migration
The return of Amur falcons to Manipur marks a significant milestone in a satellite-tracking project studying the extraordinary migration of these long-distance travellers. Two tagged birds, Apapang and Alang, have returned to the northeastern Indian state after journeying across 23 countries during their migration through Asia and Africa, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced.
Typhoon Champi: Taiwan Cancels Nearly 1,000 Flights as Storm Approaches
Typhoon Champi brought Taiwan close to a standstill on Friday, October 23, as authorities prepared for potentially destructive winds and torrential rainfall. Nearly 1,000 flights were cancelled, financial markets closed and evacuations were carried out as the storm approached the island. Although Champi weakened after briefly reaching super typhoon strength, forecasters warned that a direct landfall remained possible.
Chandigarh to Map Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Assess Carbon Storage Potential
The Chandigarh carbon footprint assessment is set to examine greenhouse gas emissions across the Union Territory, alongside the ability of its natural ecosystems to absorb and store carbon. The UT Environment Department will undertake the comprehensive study to strengthen environmental protection, support climate action and guide sustainable urban planning. The assessment will cover the entire Union Territory, including Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Delhi AQI Rises From 65 to 216 in a Day: Why Pollution Could Worsen
Delhi’s air pollution levels have risen sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) climbing from around 65 to 216 within 24 hours, according to AQI.in readings recorded up to 10:31 am on October 17. The sudden deterioration comes as the national capital approaches winter, when weather conditions can make it harder for pollutants to disperse.
El Nino Intensifies as Pacific Ocean Temperatures Surge to Extremes
The El Nino Pacific Ocean warming pattern is intensifying, with sea temperatures off Peru reportedly reaching 8.9°C above average at the surface and subsurface temperatures rising as much as 10.5°C above normal. The exceptional warming across the eastern equatorial Pacific has raised concerns about widespread weather disruptions in the coming months. Sea surface temperature anomalies exceeded 4°C in some parts of the eastern equatorial Pacific last month.
Delhi-NCR Rain: Western Disturbance Triggers Sudden Downpour
The Delhi-NCR rain episode brought heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds across the region on Monday, October 12, following overnight rain and strong winds that began late Sunday. Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad experienced a sharp change in weather as an active Western Disturbance affected parts of northwest India.
Monsoon Withdrawal Advances as IMD Forecasts Rain in Several States
Monsoon Withdrawal 2026 is progressing across India, but the retreat of the southwest monsoon does not mean rainfall will stop immediately. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain at isolated places in Kerala and Tamil Nadu on Saturday, October 10, alongside thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across several northern and eastern states.
Solar Tsunami Heads Towards Earth: Sunspot 4549 Eruption Raises Geomagnetic Storm Alert
The solar tsunami Earth alert follows renewed activity from Sunspot 4549, which erupted on October 8, producing an M6.7-class solar flare, a Moreton wave and a coronal mass ejection (CME). Space weather forecasts indicate that multiple solar eruptions could interact with Earth's magnetic field on October 9 and October 11.
El Nino Hit India’s Monsoon: Will It Ruin Winter Too? What the Evidence Shows
The El Nino India winter outlook is drawing attention after the country ended the 2026 southwest monsoon with a 13% rainfall deficit. With El Nino strengthening over the Pacific and expected to remain an important climate influence through winter, concerns are growing about what the phenomenon could mean for temperatures, rainfall and agriculture in the coming months.
Water Stress in Maharashtra and Gujarat Deepens as El Nino Adds Pressure
Water stress in Maharashtra and Gujarat is beginning to emerge as a major concern after an uneven monsoon season, with reservoir levels under pressure across several regions. Maharashtra has announced a minimum 10 per cent water cut across urban and rural areas from October 16, citing deficient rainfall and the possibility of drought-like conditions.
Worst October Air Since 2020: What’s Behind Delhi’s Toxic AQI?
The Delhi AQI 2026 has taken a sharp turn for the worse, with pollution rising for five consecutive days and the capital recording its worst October start since 2020. Delhi’s average AQI for October 1–4 stood at 174.5, significantly higher than the corresponding period in 2025 and 2021.
Monsoon Withdrawal Advances on October 3, Rain Expected in South and Northeast
The monsoon withdrawal is expected to advance further across parts of north and central India on October 3, while rain and thunderstorms remain likely over several southern and northeastern areas, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Europe Loses 16.7 Million Tonnes of Grain to Extreme Heat, Losses Near Rs 34,700 Crore
Europe grain losses have surged after an exceptionally hot and dry summer caused widespread damage to wheat, maize and barley crops. A new analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) estimates that grain production fell by 16.7 million tonnes between June and September, with the losses valued at around €3.2 billion, or nearly Rs 34,700 crore.
India's Monsoon Ends With 13% Rain Deficit: Why Rabi Crops Face a Water Test
India’s southwest monsoon has ended with a 13% rainfall deficit, shifting attention to the water available for the upcoming rabi season. While the weak monsoon does not automatically mean a poor winter crop, deficient rainfall in several regions has raised concerns over soil moisture, reservoirs and groundwater.
2026 El Nino Strengthens: Why India and the World Face Rising Climate Risks
The 2026 El Nino is strengthening rapidly across the tropical Pacific, with international climate agencies warning that the event could become very strong by the end of the year.
Rare Sand Snake Spotted in Kutch After 150 Years, Reviving a 19th-Century Wildlife Record
A rare sand snake has been photographed in Gujarat's Kutch region more than 150 years after the species was last conclusively recorded there. The Afro-Asian sand snake, also known as the Schokari Sand Racer, was spotted near Kala Dungar, close to Bhuj, during a routine forest patrol earlier this month.
NOAA Plane Flies Inside Category 5 Hurricane Polo, Captures Eye-Wall Footage
NOAA has captured a dramatic view from inside Hurricane Polo after its WP-3D Orion aircraft flew through the storm’s eyewall and into its eye on September 22. The footage showed the aircraft passing through dense clouds before reaching the eye, where towering clouds surrounded a clearer patch of sky.
Uttarakhand Snowfall: Fresh Snow Covers Chamoli’s Satopanth Route Near Badrinath
Fresh snowfall covered parts of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on September 23, bringing a sudden wintry change to the high Himalayan region. Snow was reported along the Satopanth route near Badrinath, with heavy snowfall recorded around the Chakratirth area. A trekking group camping along the Satopanth trail witnessed the snowfall as snow quickly covered the surrounding landscape.
Super El Nino Could Cause 4.51 Lakh Additional Heat Deaths Globally: Report
A developing El Nino could lead to an estimated 4,51,000 additional heat-related deaths worldwide between September 2026 and February 2027, according to an estimate by Climate Impact Lab. The figure represents deaths above the average expected level, using data from 1996 to 2025 as the baseline, rather than deaths already recorded. The projected impact is expected to be concentrated in the Global South.
Bay of Bengal Depression: Odisha, Andhra Brace for Heavy Rain, Strong Winds
A depression over the Bay of Bengal is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to intensify into a deep depression, bringing heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of the region.
India’s Monsoon Rainfall Deficit Stays at 15% as Withdrawal Nears
India’s 2026 southwest monsoon has entered its final phase with the country recording a 15% rainfall deficit, leaving limited time for a substantial recovery before the season withdraws. Between June 1 and September 20, India received 699.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 822 mm, according to the latest assessment.
Monsoon Withdrawal Begins as Dry Air Enters Northwest India After September 19
The southwest monsoon is showing signs of beginning its withdrawal from northwest India, with a large mass of dry air expected to move into the region after September 19-20. The influx could reduce atmospheric moisture and create conditions favourable for the retreat of the monsoon, with West Rajasthan likely to see the process begin around September 19.
India Monsoon Withdrawal Begins: Dry Air to Spread After September 19
India’s southwest monsoon is entering its withdrawal phase, with northwest India expected to be the first region to see the rainy season retreat. Dry air is forecast to move into the area after September 19-20, reducing moisture and gradually bringing clearer skies and lower humidity.
Nepal Floods: Warming Himalayas Linked to Deadly Mountain Collapse
A new scientific analysis has linked the August 26 mountain collapse behind the deadly Nepal-Tibet floods to long-term warming in the Himalayas. Researchers found that a massive section of rock and glacier ice collapsed at around 5,150 metres and fell roughly 1,400 metres, generating a powerful debris flow. The collapse involved about 2 square kilometres of rock and ice.
How Climate Change Is Disrupting India’s Salt Production
Salt may seem like one of the simplest ingredients in the kitchen, but its production depends heavily on weather. In many parts of India, saline groundwater or seawater is pumped into shallow ponds, where sunlight and heat gradually evaporate the water. As the brine becomes concentrated, sodium chloride crystallises and can be harvested.
Gujarat Rain Alert: Heavy Showers Continue as Monsoon Withdrawal Nears
Rainfall activity is expected to remain strong across parts of western and central India on Tuesday, with Gujarat and Rajasthan continuing to be influenced by a low-pressure system. The weather pattern comes as the Southwest Monsoon begins showing early signs of its seasonal retreat from northwest India.
Bhalswa Landfill Cleanup: How Delhi Is Dismantling Its Garbage Mountain
For decades, Bhalswa landfill stood as one of Delhi's most visible symbols of the city's waste problem, with millions of tonnes of garbage accumulating across the sprawling dumpsite. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is now attempting to dismantle the waste mountain through a large-scale biomining and waste-processing operation. The 70-acre Bhalswa landfill is one of Delhi's three major dumpsites.
Glacier Extinction Map: See When Glaciers Around the World Could Disappear
The rapid loss of glaciers is becoming increasingly visible across mountain regions, with scientists warning that continued global warming could lead to the disappearance of thousands of individual glaciers. A new interactive website now allows people to explore the projected future of glaciers around the world and see when individual ice masses could potentially vanish under different warming scenarios.
ISRO’s Oceansat-3 Detects El Nino’s Growing Impact on Pacific Ocean
India’s Oceansat-3 satellite has captured signs of changing conditions in the Pacific Ocean that are associated with the evolving El Nino in 2026. Observations from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s EOS-06, popularly known as Oceansat-3, show lower chlorophyll-a concentrations across parts of the Pacific during June 2026 compared with observations from the same month in earlier years.
India Monsoon Crisis: September Rainfall Deficit Hits 26%, Seasonal Shortfall at 15%
India’s monsoon rainfall deficit has widened significantly in September, raising concerns about agriculture, water availability and food prices as the southwest monsoon approaches its final phase. According to the latest rainfall data, India received 44.3 mm of rain between September 1 and September 9, compared with the normal rainfall of 59.9 mm for the period.
Monsoon Rain and Thunderstorms to Hit These Parts of India Today, IMD Issues Latest Forecast
Rainfall and thunderstorms are likely to remain active across several parts of eastern and northeastern India on Wednesday, September 9, as weather systems over Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continue to influence conditions across the region. The India Meteorological Department has forecast isolated heavy rainfall in several states, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, West Bengal and Sikkim.
India Weather Forecast September 5, 2026: Heavy Rain Alert for Delhi, Rajasthan and MP
Monsoon activity is expected to remain strong across several parts of India on Saturday, September 5, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in isolated areas of northwest and central India. Weather conditions are being influenced by a well-marked low-pressure area over central parts of northern Madhya Pradesh and adjoining southern Uttar Pradesh.
Earth May Cross 1.5°C Warming Soon: What Climate Disasters Could India Face?
The world is moving closer to crossing the 1.5°C global warming threshold, raising serious concerns about the future impact of climate change on countries such as India. While crossing the threshold would not necessarily represent a permanent point of no return, the scale and duration of warming above 1.5°C could significantly increase risks for people, ecosystems and economies.
Western Disturbance to Trigger Heavy Monsoon Rain in North India From September 4
A major change in the weather pattern is expected across northern India as a Western Disturbance is likely to interact with the active monsoon axis and a low-pressure system during the first week of September. The interaction, expected between September 4 and 7, could intensify monsoon activity across the Himalayan region and adjoining northern plains.