At least 83 people have died in Ukraine from a cold spell that has been gripping the country, officials say.

BBC: Dozens die in Ukraine's cold snap

This winter it rounded up 100 megawatts in New England in anticipation of a cold spell coupled with high natural gas prices.

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That option means you do not have to hire staff or housekeeping or worry if your pipes burst during a cold spell.

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But if we do have a cold spell, you know what will happen: So many folks will find it difficult to pay the price.

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The disruption affected supplies to Europe during a bitter cold spell, prompting fears of a continentwide energy crisis.

NPR: Tensions Rise in U.S.-Russia Relationship

Temperatures in parts of the UK plunged to -11C (12F) overnight as forecasters warned of a bitterly cold spell and snow showers over the weekend.

BBC: UK shivers in -11C cold snap amid forecasts of snow

No pun intended, because relations were much worse a year ago when Moscow shut off natural gas supplies during a bitter winter cold spell.

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But while state government officials remain tight-lipped about the possible death toll, according to local media reports and one national news agency, the United News of India, more than 120 people may have died as a result of the cold spell.

BBC: India hit by cold snap

The cold spell is being caused by a sudden stratospheric warming, forecasters explained.

BBC: Freezing weather forecast for weekend

Weiss is dusting off evidence in the region known as the Fertile Crescent, including much of modern-day Iraq and Syria, indicating that a human revolution in irrigated agriculture occurred after an extended drought and cold spell.

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