In a rare winter weather phenomenon, the western Indian state of Gujarat experienced severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes, resulting in 24 deaths and approximately 25 injuries. The state, known for rain-related calamities, was unprepared for such a storm during the winter months.
The Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia entered a period of intense eruptive activity around 05:28 UTC on November 26, 2023. The volcano has since produced numerous explosions, with ash columns reaching heights of up to 2.1 km (7 000 feet) above sea level. Officials are urging residents to stay away at least 5 km (3.1 miles) from the volcano.
The Russian capital of Moscow is facing an extraordinary ‘black blizzard’, a weather pattern typically seen in the Far North. This phenomenon, which started overnight, has resulted in heavy snowfall and reduced visibility to approximately 100 m (328 feet), with the situation expected to persist until Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
Hurricane-force winds reaching speeds of 144 km/h (90 mph) and a significant tidal surge caused by a powerful Mediterranean cyclone named Storm Bettina have devastated parts of the Crimean Peninsula, particularly impacting Sevastopol and surrounding districts on November 25 and 26, 2023. The storm has led to widespread power outages, affecting nearly 500 000 residents, and causing considerable flooding and property damage. Bettina’s center moved over land early November 27 and is heading northward.
As Arctic air sweeps across the Great Lakes, meteorologists are warning of the season’s first significant lake-effect snow event, poised to cause travel disruptions and potentially feet of snow in some areas. This weather phenomenon, intensifying early next week, is expected to bring hazardous conditions, particularly along I-90 and in snow-prone regions of Michigan, Ohio, and New York.
Since the early hours of November 24, 2023, Mount Etna has exhibited intensified Strombolian activity at its SE Crater, as observed by INGV-OE. Over the following days, this activity has persisted, marked by modest ash emissions and fluctuating seismic intensity, with the Aviation Color Code maintained at Orange.
Europe is bracing for a major weather shift this weekend, as an intense Arctic cold outbreak targets eastern, central, and southeastern regions. The season’s most severe winter storm is set to hit the Balkan peninsula, potentially dumping up to 50 cm (20 inches) of snow across areas from Romania to Ukraine. This significant event is forecasted to extend into the end of November, contrasting sharply with the mild weather experienced in recent weeks.
A significant winter storm is affecting the Rockies and Plains, bringing heavy snowfall and temperatures well below normal this holiday weekend. Forecasts predict snow accumulations of 10 – 15 cm (4 – 6 inches) in western Nebraska and central Kansas, and up to 30 – 45 cm (12 – 18 inches) in southwest Colorado. The system, which is also expected to impact the eastern states early next week, poses a severe travel risk due to gusty winds and heavy snow.
A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.1 hit the Mariana Islands region at 09:05 UTC on November 24, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 12.4 km (7.7 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.1 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is grappling with a humanitarian crisis following extensive flooding caused by ongoing torrential rains since November 13, 2023. The most severe impacts have been recorded in the eastern and north-eastern regions, including Baraka City and Dungu Town, where thousands have been displaced, and homes have been destroyed.
