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.

Scientists and US media are raising alarms about a slow-moving, planetary-scale Kelvin wave in the Pacific making its way toward the California coast. The ocean phenomenon could raise sea levels by up to a foot as El Niño conditions keep warm water trapped along the coastline. Observers warn the combined effect could worsen coastal erosion and flooding risks for communities already exposed to rising seas and winter storms.

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.

The European Commission is urging member states to reduce energy demand ahead of winter, as gas prices face a squeeze on supply. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said the EU is not facing an immediate gas-security crisis, but a price-and-supply squeeze that could worsen, prompting calls for national measures to lower consumption and prepare for a tighter winter season.

Europe is preparing for intensified competition with Asia over liquefied natural gas supplies, according to a Financial Times report. As both regions vie for limited cargoes, buyers could be forced to bid up prices, with implications for Europe's energy security and household and industrial costs. The competition centres on securing winter supply and attracting flexible US and Qatari cargoes away from Asian buyers.

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.

California is preparing for flooding and landslides as forecasters expect a super El Niño this year, a warming of equatorial Pacific waters that disrupts weather patterns worldwide. After years of coastal erosion, communities such as Pacifica, south of San Francisco, are already showing strain, and officials worry heavy winter storms could worsen damage to weakened cliffs and hillsides.

A powerful nor'easter storm is battering the United States, knocking out travel along the Eastern Seaboard. Hundreds of flights have been canceled as airlines scramble to rebook passengers, with coastal flooding and strong winds expected in affected states. Authorities are urging residents to stay off roads as conditions deteriorate through the storm's peak.

France has announced a new 500 million dollar aid package to support businesses struggling under sharply rising energy prices. The measure comes as companies across Europe face mounting costs that threaten closures and job losses. Officials hope the package will ease pressure on small firms and energy-intensive industries this winter.

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 market indicator is flashing a warning ahead of the historically strong November-to-April stretch, when the stock market typically delivers its best gains of the year. The signal suggests the usual seasonal rally could fail to materialise this time, prompting investors to question whether to position for the usual winter boom or brace for weakness instead.

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 powerful nor'easter storm is approaching the East Coast of the United States, prompting widespread preparations. News outlets are providing rolling updates as residents and officials brace for potentially heavy snow, strong winds and coastal impacts. Communities along the seaboard are monitoring forecasts closely and taking precautions ahead of the storm's arrival.

California is looking to turn a potentially wet El Niño winter into an opportunity, pursuing efforts to capture stormwater from the big storms expected to hit the state. Officials want to store runoff to recharge groundwater supplies and boost reservoirs, rather than letting it flow out to sea, as drought-strained water systems seek any advantage from the pattern.

A powerful Nor'easter is battering the U.S. East Coast, with New York among the areas hit by heavy rain, strong winds and coastal flooding. NPR's reporting from New York describes conditions on the ground as the storm moves up the coast, disrupting travel and prompting residents to prepare for possible power outages.

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.

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 powerful nor'easter has battered the northeastern United States, producing coastal flooding and leaving thousands of residents without electricity. The storm has damaged shorelines and forced communities to respond to rising waters and widespread outages as it moves through the region, with utility crews working to restore service.

A powerful nor'easter is battering the Northeastern United States, bringing coastal flooding and widespread power outages. The storm has knocked out electricity to parts of the region, with coastal communities among the hardest hit. Residents and officials are dealing with flooded shorelines and disrupted services as the weather system continues to move through the area.