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As winter settles across the Northern Hemisphere, Russia and parts of Europe and India are facing extreme weather conditions. In Russia, temperatures are expected to plummet, while Central Europe battles heavy snowfall, and East India braces for a tropical cyclone.

Russia is no stranger to frigid temperatures, but this week is set to be particularly chilling. A large area of high pressure over the western part of the country will bring arctic air, keeping temperatures well below the seasonal average. In Perm and Omsk, daytime temperatures are forecasted to remain as low as -25°C, about 20°C below the norm. This week could potentially be the coldest for the Perm region since 2016. However, the eastern part of Russia faces even more severe conditions, with temperatures dropping to lows of -40°C and possibly approaching -50°C in regions such as Yakutia and Chukotka on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Central Europe experienced significant snowfall over the weekend, causing major travel disruptions. Munich, Germany, witnessed over 40cm of snowfall within two days, leading to the cancellation of more than 700 flights, the closure of the main train station, and over 350 road incidents related to wintry weather. Similar road blockages were reported across Switzerland, Austria, and the Czech Republic, as snowfall created hazardous driving conditions.

In India, an initial tropical depression in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a tropical cyclone called Michuang, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. The cyclone is expected to move northwards, making landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. Wind speeds of approximately 55 knots, with gusts of up to 70 knots, are predicted upon landfall, posing a significant risk of infrastructure damage. Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with coastal areas expecting rainfall totals exceeding 150mm.

Due to the potential dangers posed by the cyclone, the Indian government has declared a public holiday for the Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts. This measure aims to ensure the safety of residents and minimize the impact of the anticipated severe weather.

As winter tightens its grip on different regions around the world, authorities are urging residents to stay informed, prepare for extreme conditions, and prioritize safety during these challenging weather events.