Winter

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.

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.

Russia is deploying fast attack drones as part of a new winter strategy against Ukraine, according to analysis by Boekestijn and De Wijk on BNR. The tactic is straining Ukrainian air defences, which must intercept large numbers of incoming drones. Observers are watching how Ukraine will adapt its defences as attacks intensify during the cold months.

Botanists are comparing the seasonal habits of two North American pitcher plants. Unlike Sarracenia leucophylla, which produces its best pitchers in late summer, Sarracenia oreophila puts out a burst of pitchers in spring. Those pitchers are now dying back as the plant prepares for winter dormancy, leaving smaller non-trap leaves called phyllodia at the base.

With the English county cricket season finished, cricket followers are turning their attention to a new edition of CountyCricketMatters, a regular discussion roundup for the sport's domestic game. It is a moment for reflection on the season just gone and a look ahead to the winter ahead, as fans of the county game keep the conversation going between seasons.

Cross-country skiing (sci di fondo) is being widely searched and discussed in Italy, ranking among the top trending topics alongside sports coverage from La Gazzetta dello Sport, which is promoting its Festival dello Sport featuring guests such as Gian Piero Gasperini. The spike in interest suggests renewed attention to winter sports, though no specific event or result is confirmed by the available coverage.

NHL players are taking part in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, ending a gap since 2014 and allowing stars like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby to compete for their countries. Outlets are running explainers on which players made each national roster, with teams including Canada, the USA, Sweden and Finland drawing attention.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Ukraine's air defense is its weakest point as the country braces for another winter of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure and cities. His remarks underscore mounting pressure on Western allies to step up deliveries of interception systems, with Germany among Ukraine's leading military backers and Moscow intensifying aerial attacks.

Supplement brand Raw Nutrition and bodybuilder Sam Sulek have revealed a new Winterberry product series. The collaboration adds a seasonal-themed line to the company's range, continuing its partnership with the popular fitness personality. Details on pricing and availability have not been widely reported yet.

A proposed expansion of the marina in Winter Haven, Florida, could add new dining and entertainment options along the city's waterfront. The plan is being covered by regional growth and development outlet GrowthSpotter, with further details on financing, timeline and tenants not yet reported.

A storm system has brought fresh snow to Utah's highest elevations, with new pictures showing mountains dusted in white. The early snowfall marks the first significant snow of the season at upper elevations in the state. Local coverage highlights the striking wintry scenes, and residents are watching what the storm could mean for travel conditions and the upcoming ski season in Utah's mountain regions.

An Oklahoma judge has ruled that NextEra Energy violated the state's price gouging law during the February 2021 winter storm, when surging demand and supply shortages drove up energy costs across the region. The decision stems from the severe cold snap that strained power grids and prices in several states. The ruling could carry financial consequences for the company and shape how energy suppliers are held accountable for storm-period pricing.

NextEra Energy has lost a court decision in Oklahoma related to allegations of price manipulation during a winter storm. The case concerns claims that the company took advantage of extreme weather conditions to inflate energy prices. Details of the ruling's financial impact and NextEra's next steps, including any appeal, are not yet known.

East Coast storms could disrupt travel plans through the fall and winter season, according to Forbes, which outlines when travel insurance can help travelers recover costs. With the busy holiday travel period approaching, the report highlights how storm-related delays and cancellations may affect flights along the East Coast and when policies would cover travelers for interruptions, cancellations, and related expenses.

The American Medical Association is advising parents to stock four essential items in a home health kit for their children. The guidance encourages families to check their supplies and be ready to handle common childhood illnesses and minor injuries at home. The reminder fits into a broader push for household preparedness ahead of the season when colds, fevers and accidents become more frequent.

Forecasters now put the odds of El Niño persisting for the next six months at 99 to 100 percent, an exceptionally confident outlook for the climate pattern. For Los Angeles, a lasting El Niño typically points to a wetter winter, with heavier storms and higher flood risk, though rainfall outcomes can vary from one event to another.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has won a lawsuit over excessive natural gas prices charged during Winter Storm Uri, the February 2021 winter storm that caused widespread power outages across Texas and Oklahoma. The ruling addresses claims that suppliers overcharged utilities and customers during the emergency, and could lead to refunds or penalties tied to the inflated prices billed during the crisis.

BOA Technology has announced an expansion of its BOA PerformFit Wrap solutions into snowboard boots, broadening the reach of its dial-based fit system beyond cycling and running footwear. The move gives snowboard brands another closure option aimed at improving heel hold and adjustable fit on the mountain. The outdoor industry press release drew limited immediate attention, but equipment makers and riders will be watching which boot brands adopt the system for the coming winter season.

Gardeners are being reminded that autumn is the time to prepare beds for winter, a practice known as putting the garden to bed. The seasonal checklist typically covers clearing spent plants, mulching, protecting perennials and tidying tools before frost arrives. Advice pieces like this circulate each fall as temperatures drop and gardeners look for practical guidance on closing out the growing season.