Winter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will make this a tough winter for Russia, warning that pressure on Moscow is mounting. The statement signals Kyiv intends to keep targeting Russian energy and military infrastructure through the cold months, aiming to strain Russia's economy and war effort while sustaining Western support for Ukraine.

New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency as a Nor'easter storm sweeps the region, forcing the cancellation of events and disrupting travel. Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads as heavy snow and strong winds move through the area, with crews working to clear roads and restore any power outages.

The New York Times reports that the current El Niño pattern is influencing storm activity on opposite sides of the United States. The climate phenomenon, marked by warmer Pacific Ocean waters, is altering jet stream behavior and steering weather systems, shaping storm tracks for both the West and East coasts this season.

Stock markets historically post their strongest gains between November and April, a pattern traders call the seasonal rally. This year, however, a market indicator is pointing against that usual boom, suggesting investors may not get the typical winter upswing. The warning has caught attention as traders weigh whether to bet on the seasonally strong stretch or heed the signal and stay cautious.

European gas prices climbed 2% as tensions between the United States and Iran disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. The rise comes as winter demand approaches, adding pressure on European energy markets already sensitive to supply risks and geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East.

Researchers suggest that soil biology could hold the key to more sustainable nitrogen use in Canadian winter wheat farming. The finding points to the potential of harnessing natural soil processes to reduce synthetic fertiliser inputs, a major cost and emissions source in agriculture. It is drawing attention among those following sustainable farming and crop science.

Meteorologists are watching the polar vortex as it returns, raising questions about its influence on the coming winter season. The vortex, a large mass of cold, spinning air over the Arctic, can weaken or shift and push frigid air into mid-latitudes. Its strength and stability in the months ahead are seen as key factors shaping winter weather forecasts across North America, Europe and Asia.

A weekend nor'easter has left travel disruptions lingering, with stranded passengers saying they need to get home as delays and cancellations continue. The storm, which hit the northeastern United States, continues to affect flights, trains and road travel, leaving many working through rebooking options as conditions slowly improve.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to stay home as a nor'easter moved through the state, bringing disruptive winter conditions. The warning came as officials braced for snow, strong winds and hazardous travel across the New York region.

Analysis argues that Europe's energy situation heading into winter 2026 is materially different from the crisis winter of 2022, when Russian gas cuts forced emergency measures. The piece examines how changed supply arrangements, storage levels and policy adjustments alter the arithmetic of getting through the cold months this time around.

A Utah Olympic leader has passed away, and colleagues are remembering them for their dedication to the Olympic movement in the state. Tributes describe the person as someone who 'believed in the mission', highlighting their commitment to Utah's Olympic legacy, including its role hosting the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games and ongoing Olympic ambitions.

Borussia Dortmund is preparing a winter transfer for a player who had also been a candidate for FC Köln, according to a report by Express. The report says the deal nearly fell through in Cologne's favour before Dortmund moved in. With the January window approaching, attention is turning to how the transfer battle between the two Bundesliga clubs will play out.

A winter storm warning is in effect across parts of the United States as an early-season system brings significant snowfall. Forecasters expect up to 8 inches of snow this week, with dangerous travel conditions likely in affected areas. Motorists are being urged to prepare vehicles and check road conditions before setting out as the storm moves through.

Public health officials are telling people to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines before the end of October, so protection builds up before respiratory virus season peaks in the winter months. The advice applies broadly as both viruses circulate at the same time each year, and officials stress vaccination remains the best way to reduce severe illness and hospital stays.

A powerful nor'easter is hitting New Hampshire, bringing severe winter weather to the region. The storm is drawing attention as residents and local media track its impact across the state, with conditions expected to disrupt travel and daily life in affected communities.

A new map highlights which US cities are in the path of a Nor'Easter storm expected to hit this week. The Northeast-facing storm system is drawing attention as residents and travelers check whether their cities fall within the affected zone, with coastal and inland communities likely watching for updates on snow, wind and coastal flooding potential.

SM Entertainment has announced it is pursuing legal action against malicious posts targeting Winter, a member of the K-pop group aespa. The agency said it would take firm measures against those spreading defamatory content about its artist, continuing its broader crackdown on online harassment of its performers.

Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris held his end-of-season news conference, and the key takeaway is that fans should not expect a big-spending offseason despite the club's competitive position. Coverage of the remarks is circulating among baseball fans debating whether Detroit will invest in upgrades or stand largely pat this winter.

Early winter 2026 outlooks are drawing attention, with forecasters pointing to heavier snow potential in parts of the United States. In Kentucky, the National Weather Service and the Farmers' Almanac have issued conflicting outlooks, highlighting how much seasonal forecasts can diverge. Farmers, travelers and local officials are weighing which prediction to trust as the season approaches.

A nor'easter storm is causing hundreds of travel delays across the Boston area, with Logan Airport reporting widespread flight disruptions and Amtrak Northeast Corridor trains running behind schedule. Travelers are being warned to expect continued problems as the storm brings strong winds and heavy precipitation to the region, and airlines and rail operators urge passengers to check schedules before setting out.

Botanist Richard Lent notes that Sarracenia oreophila, the green pitcher plant, differs from its relative S. leucophylla by producing its main pitchers in spring rather than late summer. Those pitchers are now dying back ahead of winter dormancy, with smaller non-trap leaves called phyllodia forming at the base of the plant.

Essentia Health is holding vaccine clinics ahead of the respiratory virus season, making flu and other routine immunisations available to patients in the communities it serves. The health system is encouraging people to get vaccinated early, before case numbers of respiratory illnesses rise during the fall and winter months.