Early Season Snow Intensifies Across Asia; Biting Freeze Sweeps Canada; + 2024 Hurricane Season Is Officially A Dud

The global ACE Index currently sits at 484 units—the lowest on record.

Early Season Snow Intensifies Across Asia

Cold temperatures and heavy snows have descended earlier than usual across much of Asia, disrupting daily life but also fueling excitement for the winter season ahead.

Tragically in Kyrgyzstan, heavy snowfall has triggered deadly avalanches in the mountainous district of Chatkal.

The Kyrgyzstan Emergency Situations Ministry confirmed the recovery of six bodies from a group of 14 that went missing while collecting medicinal plants on October 9.

Kyrgyzstan saw rare summer snows earlier this year, back on Aug 27-28, and also in early Sept.

Headed east, the Indian state of Sikkim has also experienced an early taste of winter.

Changu Valley saw its first snows of the season over the weekend. Significant snowfall was also noted in Thangu and the Gurudongmar Lake region, resulting in blocked roads, slips and widespread disruptions throughout the state, with the Border Roads Organisation mobilizing to clear key routes.

Looking north, thermometers in Russia have continued tanking.

Following the biting lows reported last week, Yarol'In has gone further, posting a historically early -35.3C (-31.5F) on October 21 — the Northern Hemisphere's lowest temperature of the season (outside of Greenland).

Continuing east, South Korea's Mount Seorak saw its first snowfall of the season overnight Saturday, with temperatures sinking to -2.6C (27.3F) by Sunday morning.

The Korea Meteorological Administration issued its first cold wave advisory of the season for the northern Gangwon region, with both the advisory and the snow arriving earlier than usual.