17th January - Today's News: Record Winter Heatwave Makes Alaska Hotter Than Florida

Tropical heat wave sends temperatures to record levels in Alaska - where it was even (briefly) warmer than Florida ....   And across the Arctic weather anomalies accelerate the melting of sea ice

Moscow only got six minutes of sunshine in December - its gloomiest month on record

Heavy snow in places yesterday, especially the Borders, saw hundreds of stranded drivers spend a freezing night in their cars - and where's Sir Andy Flurry? Keeping track of Scotland's gritters

Meanwhile the media have been completely flummoxed after thinking windy weather tonight would be named Storm Fionn - only for Met Eireann to designate the name to winds on their west coast last night. Storm Fionn aftermath: Thousands of people without power, snow and strong winds forecast. As yet, no name allocated for tonight and winds don't now look likely to be strong enough to warrant one. ....  However, forecasters issue new warning of persistent heavy snow for parts of Scotland and NW England.   Just rain for here.  As usual.

In the Indian Ocean,  Tropical Cyclone Berguitta damage: Thousands without power as storm heads to Mauritius

Melioidosis risk rises in the wake of stormy weather across WA

And new research shows massive earthquakes no more likely to strike during full moon