Switzerland's glaciers are on track for massive ice loss this year, with "glacier loss day" expected Monday, the second earliest on record. Heatwaves, poor snowfall, and Sahara dust are accelerating melt, mirroring 2022's record year. Scientists link Europe's extreme heat to climate change.
Gulmarg, India's premier ski resort in Kashmir, is implementing artificial snow-making and synthetic slopes to combat declining natural snowfall. The J&K Cable Car Corporation has invited bids for consultants to develop a detailed project report, with deadlines in early May. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warned in December that erratic snowfall could end Gulmarg's skiing legacy. The resort once boasted 100-120 skiable days annually but has seen late snowfall, mid-season melts, and early shutdowns over the past 15 years.
Heavy snowfall hit Moscow overnight on Monday, causing over 200 trees to fall and damaging cars and power lines. Several trains and over 50 flights were delayed as a new record snow depth of 12 centimeters was set on April 27. The severe weather, caused by a deep Baltic cyclone north of European Russia, is expected to continue until Tuesday evening, bringing a full month's worth of precipitation within three days.
Mikhail Leus noted that a record for atmospheric pressure in the capital had also been set in the morning
