Punjab Newsline | Lucknow/Chandigarh

Strong winds, thunderstorms, and heatwave conditions grip multiple regions; IMD warns of more rain and gusty winds across North India.

India is witnessing extreme and contrasting weather conditions, with severe thunderstorms and heatwave-like temperatures affecting different parts of the country simultaneously.

In Uttar Pradesh, at least 104 people lost their lives on Wednesday due to a powerful dust storm and thunderstorm activity across 30 districts, including Prayagraj and Ayodhya. The highest casualties were reported from Prayagraj (21 deaths) and Bhadohi (17 deaths).

Wind speeds reached up to 80 kmph, causing widespread damage. In Bareilly, strong winds were so intense that a man was reportedly lifted into the air along with a tin shed. Meanwhile, Banda recorded a scorching temperature of 45.4°C, adding to the extreme weather conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for thunderstorms and strong winds in 51 districts today.

Looking ahead, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh are likely to experience rain and gusty winds around May 16.

In the hill states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, rainfall accompanied by hailstorms is expected, along with strong winds in higher altitude areas.