The storm and rain fury across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has left 48 people dead, disrupted air travel in Patna, and triggered weather alerts across several northern and central states.

Storms, Heavy Rain Claim 48 Lives Across UP and Bihar; Flight Operations Hit

Rising Death Toll

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightning have claimed at least 48 lives across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar over the past 24 hours, as unstable weather conditions continued to affect large parts of northern and eastern India. Authorities have issued fresh alerts in multiple states, warning of more rain, strong winds and hailstorms in the coming days.

According to officials, Uttar Pradesh reported 31 deaths linked to thunderstorms and related incidents, while Bihar recorded 17 fatalities caused by lightning strikes, strong winds and heavy rainfall. The weather system, which developed amid an ongoing heatwave across several regions, has brought a sudden shift in temperatures but also caused widespread disruption.

Saharanpur Sees Flash Flood-Like Situation

One of the most dramatic incidents was reported from Saharanpur in western Uttar Pradesh, where intense rainfall triggered a surge of water and debris from a hillside. Local authorities said at least 10 vehicles, including an Innova and a tractor, were swept away by the force of the water.

Visuals from the area showed damaged vehicles and debris scattered along roads. Emergency teams were deployed to assess losses and restore normal movement. No major rescue operation was reported by officials, though the incident highlighted the intensity of the weather conditions affecting the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained rain and thunderstorm alerts for all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Patna Flights Diverted

In Bihar, heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted air traffic at Patna airport. Airport officials said four flights were diverted due to adverse weather conditions, while 18 others faced delays.

More than 500 passengers were affected as airlines adjusted schedules amid poor visibility and strong winds. Rail services also experienced delays at several locations, adding to travel difficulties across the state.

The IMD has forecast rain in around 25 districts of Bihar, with fresh warnings issued for thunderstorms, lightning and hailstorms.

Weather Changes Across North India

The changing weather pattern has been visible across several states. Rajasthan witnessed a sharp drop in temperatures after widespread rain and hailstorms. Districts including Churu, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Sikar, Jaipur and Alwar recorded a fall of up to 10 degrees Celsius compared to previous days.

A fresh alert for thunderstorms and hailstorms remains in place for nearly 30 districts of the state. Meteorologists have linked the weather activity to an active western disturbance influencing northwestern India.

In Punjab, hailstorms were reported from Pathankot on Saturday morning, while heavy rainfall lashed Mohali and surrounding areas. Rain and strong wind warnings have been issued for multiple districts, including Chandigarh and Panchkula.

Central India Gets Relief

Parts of Madhya Pradesh also received rainfall, bringing temporary relief from intense summer heat. Several districts, including Gwalior, witnessed showers on Friday, and weather officials have warned of possible hailstorms in nine districts, including Bhopal, Datia, Chhatarpur, Neemuch and Mandsaur.

The sudden change in weather is expected to keep daytime temperatures below recent heatwave levels in many parts of the state.

Monsoon Outlook Under Watch

Even as pre-monsoon activity intensifies, the IMD has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala within the next seven days. However, the broader seasonal outlook remains a concern.

The weather agency has projected below-normal rainfall during the June-September monsoon season, estimating precipitation at around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average. While northeastern India is expected to receive near-normal rainfall, several other regions may face rainfall deficits.

Agricultural experts are closely monitoring the forecast, particularly in rain-fed farming regions where monsoon performance directly affects crop planning and rural livelihoods.

Fresh Alerts Continue

For the next two days, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Tamil Nadu. Rainfall activity is expected to remain widespread, with local administrations advising residents to remain cautious during periods of severe weather.

As storm and rain fury continues to affect large parts of the country, authorities are monitoring the situation closely while emergency response teams remain on alert in vulnerable districts.