Deep Snow Persists In Moscow; 6 Feet Hits Northern India; Highways And Communications Cut Off In Pakistan; China Freezes; Arctic Sea Ice Above 20-Year Average; + Antarctica At -73.7F

CO2-induced warming is NOT the mechanism linking the increasing swings between extremes: low solar activity is—specifically its weakening of the jet stream.

Deep Snow Persists In Moscow

This winter in Moscow will be remembered for its frosts and record snow.

On the morning of Feb 19, the snow at Moscow's VDNKh weather station stood at 67 cm (23.4 inches), which is more than twice the norm. In Balchug, snow depth read 59 cm (23.2"); in the MSU area, 70 cm (27.6"); and in Konkovo, 80 cm (31.5").

Additional snowfall is on the cards for Moscow mid-week, potentially returning the depth to record-challenging levels (set 1994).

Moscow under snow (Feb 17, 2024)

6 Feet Hits Northern India

Starting in India, despite this dry (but cold) winter season, Gulmarg and the higher reaches in the Kashmir Valley have just been dealt a significant hit of snow: to Tuesday morning, the ski resort logged 3 feet in the past 48 hours alone.

According to official meteorological department reports, Gulmarg logged 50 cm and then 40 cm during the past two 24 hour periods, respectively, making for almost 3 feet, with resort thermometers holding well-below average: -4C (30.7F).

“Intense Snowfall in Gulmarg region, India.” — Joao Carlos on X

Larger totals have hit Sonmarg and Zojila following a "massive snowstorm" there, with the latter posting 6 feet.

“Massive snowstorm hits Jammu-Kashmir's Sonmarg. More than 4 feet of snow accumulated in Sonmarg, and 6 feet in Zojila.” — India Today on X.

Arctic conditions have spilled south into the in the neighboring state of Himachal Pradesh, and all, with snow shutting some 263 roads, including 4 national highways, such as the infamous Rohtang Pass which has seen 4.43 ft in the past 24 hours alone.

Additional snow is on the cards this week across India's north.

"Heavy to very heavy snowfall [will hit the] middle & higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Badgam & South Kashmir," a MeT official said.

Highways And Communications Cut Off In Pakistan

Likewise in neighboring Pakistan, 3 days of continuous heavy snow has disrupted communication links and blocked roads. Affected areas in the Upper Hazara division include Kaghan, Naran, Shogran, Nathiagali, Donga Gali, and Thandiani.