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Winter Storm Near Miss: Southern Ontario Could Still See Heavy Snow

  A major winter storm developing across the central United States is expected to track close enough to southern Ontario this weekend to bring the risk of significant snowfall. While the core of the system is projected to remain south of the border, its northern edge may still sweep across regions from Windsor to the Greater Toronto Area. Forecasters say the exact path remains uncertain, but current projections suggest that areas along and south of Highway 401 could see notable accumulations if the storm shifts even slightly north. Some models indicate the potential for 10–20 centimetres of snow, with locally higher amounts possible if lake‑enhanced bands develop. The storm threat comes as southern Ontario braces for a surge of bitter cold. Wind chills dipping into the minus twenties may precede the system, creating conditions that could intensify snowfall rates and make travel more difficult. Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory closely. Residents are enco...

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Tragedy Strikes During Hajj Pilgrimage: Over 300 Egyptians Succumb to Heat

 

At least 323 Egyptian pilgrims tragically lost their lives during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in western Saudi Arabia. The majority of these deaths were attributed to heat-related illnesses, according to two Arab diplomats coordinating their countries’ responses.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of pilgrims from around the world to Mecca. However, this year’s pilgrimage faced extreme temperatures, with the area where rituals are performed experiencing a rise of 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade due to climate change.

Among the deceased, 60 Jordanian pilgrims also succumbed to the heat. Tragically, many of the Egyptian casualties were unregistered pilgrims attempting to save money by avoiding official visas. These off-the-books pilgrims lacked access to air-conditioned facilities provided by Saudi authorities along the Hajj route.

The total death toll reported by various countries has reached 577, highlighting the severity of this heartbreaking event. Other nations, including Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal, have also reported fatalities during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

As we mourn the loss of these lives, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for better safety measures during religious pilgrimages.


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