The spell of rain that brought much-needed relief from the intense summer heat across large parts of India has also triggered widespread disruption, claiming lives and causing damage to property in several states.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures in Delhi have dropped sharply over the past 48 hours, with some weather stations recording a fall of more than 9 degrees Celsius. The weather office has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall in the national capital until May 31.
For Saturday, Delhi is expected to record a minimum temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 35 degrees Celsius. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms accompanied by rain.
In Uttar Pradesh, the weather department has predicted widespread rainfall and thunderstorms over the next two days, along with strong winds, lightning, hailstorms and heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
Madhya Pradesh witnessed tragic weather-related incidents in Bhind district, where three people lost their lives and at least four others were injured on Friday evening. Strong winds accompanying the rain uprooted trees and caused walls and roofs to collapse.
According to officials, one person died and two others were injured in separate roof and wall collapse incidents in Atarsoha tehsil. Another person died in Sadripura village of Bhind tehsil, while one person was killed and two girls were injured in Sarva village of Gohad tehsil. Authorities said efforts were underway to identify the deceased, while the injured were admitted to hospitals for treatment. Several cattle were also reportedly killed due to the severe weather conditions.
In West Bengal, seven people died in rain-related incidents across six districts as thunderstorms lashed Kolkata and several parts of south Bengal. The adverse weather also affected operations at Kolkata airport, where flight arrivals and departures were reportedly suspended for more than an hour due to waterlogging on airstrips.
The IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore has forecast enhanced thunderstorm activity over south Bengal over the next two days due to favourable wind patterns and strong moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal.
Neighbouring Odisha is expected to witness a mix of humid conditions and severe weather. Hot and humid weather is likely in coastal districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghapur, Cuttack, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh.
The IMD has issued an orange warning for several districts, including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Angul, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Deogarh, where thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 60-70 kmph are likely.
A yellow warning has also been issued for multiple districts across the state, urging residents to remain alert.
Jharkhand also experienced rainfall, while Uttarakhand has been forecast to receive a fresh spell of light to moderate rain, thunderstorms and snowfall in higher-altitude areas. The IMD has issued a watch warning for isolated thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph.
With rain activity expected to continue in several regions through the weekend, authorities have advised people to remain cautious and follow weather advisories issued by local administrations.
