The UK is bracing for a significant temperature drop, with forecasts predicting a shift to -9°C as winter weather takes hold. The temperature is expected to plummet from highs of 18°C to lows of 9°C this week, marking a stark change for those accustomed to milder conditions.
As the country prepares for this cold snap, a snow blast of -5°C is anticipated to affect regions in the north of England, central Scotland, and Wales, with snow flurries expected to begin on November 21.
Meanwhile, in India, thousands of Hindu devotees participated in the Chhath Puja festival, bathing in the heavily polluted Yamuna River despite court warnings. The river, described as more of a toxic waterway than a river, is filled with hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals and untreated sewage, leading to severe health risks for those who enter its waters.
Authorities in New Delhi have attempted to address the pollution by using anti-foaming agents and nets to clear the toxic foam, but these measures have failed to improve the water quality. Reports indicate that the pollution levels in the Yamuna are far beyond permissible limits for bathing, with 80% of its pollution load consisting of raw sewage.
The situation highlights the urgent need for effective environmental policies and actions to restore the health of this vital waterway and protect public health.