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.

Heavy pre-monsoon activity disrupted normal life across several states on Friday, with hailstorms in Rajasthan, 100 kmph winds in Uttar Pradesh, and fresh rain alerts issued in more than 15 states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also revised its monsoon rainfall forecast downward, raising concerns over a weaker rainy season this year.

Storms Replace Heat

Instead of the usual intense ‘Nautapa’ heatwave conditions, large parts of north and central India witnessed thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds since Thursday night. In Uttar Pradesh, strong winds and rain swept through Lucknow, Prayagraj, Jhansi and Chandauli early Friday morning.

Initial reports indicate wind speeds touched nearly 100 kmph in some districts. In Hamirpur, an under-construction bridge reportedly collapsed during the storm, killing six people. Local authorities said rescue teams were deployed soon after the incident.

The IMD has issued storm alerts for all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Saharanpur also reported hailstorm activity, while in Jhansi, a heavy advertising structure was uprooted due to strong winds.

Hail During Nautapa

Rajasthan, which has been battling severe heat over the past week, saw sudden weather changes in several districts. Sri Ganganagar received hail late Thursday evening despite recording a maximum temperature of 47.1 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has issued alerts for rain and thunderstorms in at least 12 districts. Jaipur recorded its hottest day of the season on Thursday, with temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius, though officials expect some relief over the weekend.

In Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh, residents reported unusually large hailstones, some described as egg-sized. Videos from the area showed damaged plastic furniture and slippery roads after the storm.

IMD Cuts Rainfall Forecast

The IMD on Friday said India may receive below-normal rainfall during the 2026 monsoon season. According to officials, the estimated seasonal rainfall has now been reduced to around 78 cm, down from the earlier forecast of 80 cm issued last month.

The country’s long-period average rainfall stands at 87 cm based on data from 1971 to 2020. IMD Deputy Director General Dr M. Mohapatra said the rainfall this year could remain around 90% of the Long Period Average (LPA), slightly lower than previous estimates.

If the projection holds, this would be among the weakest monsoon performances since 2018.

Monsoon Arrival Delayed

The southwest monsoon, meanwhile, remains stalled near the Kerala coast. The IMD had earlier forecast an early onset around May 26, nearly five days ahead of schedule, but the system has shown little movement over the past several days.

Private weather agency Skymet now expects the monsoon to reach Kerala between June 3 and June 4. According to weather experts, atmospheric conditions over the Arabian Sea are currently slowing further advancement.

The monsoon had entered the Andaman region around May 16, initially indicating a faster progression.

Damage Across States

Odisha reported three deaths linked to lightning strikes and storm-related incidents over the last 24 hours. Officials said more than 250 homes were damaged in districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Rourkela and Angul. Trees and electric poles were uprooted in several areas.

In Chhattisgarh, strong winds uprooted trees in Raigarh and Sukma, while parts of Madhya Pradesh, including Damoh, witnessed rain and hail. Bengaluru also saw traffic disruptions after trees collapsed during an evening storm on Thursday.

Delhi-NCR and nearby Noida experienced traffic snarls after sudden rainfall during peak hours.

Heatwave Still Persists

Despite widespread rain activity, heatwave conditions continue in pockets of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and coastal states. The IMD has issued orange alerts for severe heat in districts such as Morena, Sheopur, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh.

Meteorologists said temperatures could gradually dip over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh over the next two days as thunderstorm activity intensifies.

For now, the pre-monsoon rain alert remains active across much of north, central and eastern India, with officials advising people to remain cautious during thunderstorms and strong wind activity.

UP storm kills 94, heatwave bakes Rajasthan; IMD issues red alert

A violent thunderstorm accompanied by winds gusting up to 80 kmph swept through 30 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, killing at least 94 people. Prayagraj reported the highest number of fatalities at 17, followed by Bhadohi with 16 deaths. Officials confirmed the storm also uprooted hundreds of trees and brought down electricity poles, disrupting road and power networks across large swathes of the state.

Death toll mounts in UP

Among the most distressing reports came from Bareilly, where a young man was swept away along with a tin shed as the wind gained sudden intensity. In Banda, the mercury touched 45.4°C even as the storm lashed other parts. According to state disaster management officials, most deaths were caused by wall collapses, falling trees and flying debris. An alert for strong winds and rain has been issued for 51 districts on Thursday as well.

Heatwave scorches Rajasthan

While UP battled the storm, Rajasthan remained locked in a severe heatwave spell. For the fourth consecutive day, Jaisalmer recorded the country’s highest temperature at 46.1°C on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Thursday in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Barmer, warning of extreme heat. Heatwave conditions are also expected in 13 other districts across the state.

Madhya Pradesh on orange alert

More than 25 districts in Madhya Pradesh are reeling under heatwave conditions, which the IMD predicts will continue until May 18. Khajuraho logged 45.4°C on Wednesday. An orange alert for heatwave and “warm nights” – when night temperatures remain unusually high – has been sounded for Indore, Ujjain, Dhar and Ratlam. Local authorities have advised residents, especially the elderly and children, to avoid stepping out between noon and 4 pm.

Haryana sees rising mercury, yellow alert

In Haryana, maximum temperatures rose by 1.1°C over the past 24 hours, with five cities crossing the 40°C mark. Narnaul was the hottest at 42.5°C. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in the state starting May 17. Meanwhile, Bihar is bracing for a different kind of weather: seven districts including Purnia and Katihar are under an orange alert for heavy rain on Thursday.

Forecast for next two days

The weather department expects heatwave conditions to persist on May 15 over parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Dust storms with winds of 50-60 kmph are likely in Jharkhand. On May 16, rain and strong winds may affect Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and western UP. Hailstorms are possible in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand, along with lightning alerts for Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and the northeastern states.

Ground reports from Gonda and Unnao showed uprooted neem trees crushing parked cars, while in Mumbai, children were spotted carrying umbrellas even under the harsh sun – a small reminder of how uneven this pre-monsoon season has been. With the red alert still in place, officials have urged people in affected zones to stay indoors and keep emergency helplines handy.

India continues to reel under an intense spell of summer conditions as the heatwave in India expands across multiple regions. According to weather reports, maximum temperatures in several states have consistently remained between 40°C and 47°C over the past few days, marking one of the most severe early-summer heat spells in recent years.

Eastern and northeastern parts of the country remain relatively less affected, but most northern, central and western regions are witnessing extreme heat conditions. Officials have warned that the situation may persist for at least the next 48 hours.

Akola Tops Heat Chart

Maharashtra’s Akola emerged as the hottest city in the country, recording a maximum temperature of 46.9°C. It was closely followed by Amravati at 46.8°C, Banda in Uttar Pradesh at 46.6°C, and Wardha and Barmer at 46.4°C.

Other severely affected locations include Jaisalmer and Yavatmal, both touching 46°C. The data highlights how the heatwave in India is affecting both desert and non-desert regions with almost equal intensity.

Uttar Pradesh Alert Issued

The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a heatwave alert across 60 districts. Authorities have urged residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours and stay hydrated.

In Varanasi, hospitals have set up dedicated heatstroke units in anticipation of rising patient inflow. A separate cooling room, additional beds, and even a bathtub have been installed for emergency treatment of severe heat-related cases.

Hospital Heat Measures

Healthcare facilities in several states have begun emergency preparedness measures as part of the ongoing heatwave in India response. In Varanasi, government hospitals have created specialised heatstroke wards with cooling arrangements.

Medical officials have been instructed to remain on high alert, particularly during afternoon hours when heat intensity peaks. Emergency response teams are also being kept on standby in urban centres.

Regional Heat Impact

In Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho recorded 45°C for the first time, while Indore and Bhopal hovered around 43°C. In Bihar, temperatures crossed 40°C in 11 districts, with reports of heat-related fatalities in parts of Bhojpur and Ara.

Meanwhile, Dehradun in Uttarakhand has ordered closure of schools and anganwadi centres from classes 1 to 12 due to severe heat conditions. The widespread nature of the heatwave in India has disrupted daily life across multiple states.

Weather Forecast Outlook

Meteorological updates indicate that the heatwave is expected to continue over the next two days. On April 28, several states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Maharashtra and Punjab are likely to remain under heatwave conditions.

By April 29, the intensity is expected to persist across northern and central India, while some northeastern states may witness heavy rainfall, indicating a sharp weather contrast across the country.

Health and Safety Steps

Health experts have advised citizens to avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours and to increase fluid intake. Vulnerable groups such as children, elderly individuals, and outdoor workers are particularly at risk during this ongoing heatwave in India.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency preparedness being scaled up across hospitals and district administrations.

India’s heatwave tightened its grip on large parts of north and central India on Saturday, with Uttar Pradesh’s Banda emerging as the hottest city in the country at 47.4 degrees Celsius. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for 10 states over the next two days, while authorities in several regions have shut schools, revised schedules and urged people to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours.

Heatwave alert remained in focus across north and central India as Banda recorded 47.4°C, schools shut in parts of Madhya Pradesh, and weather agencies warned of severe heat stress in multiple states.

Banda Tops Chart

Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest maximum temperature in the country on Saturday at 47.4°C, underscoring the severity of the ongoing heatwave alert. Other cities in the state also saw extreme temperatures, with Prayagraj at 45.5°C, Varanasi at 45°C and Jhansi at 44.8°C.

Officials advised residents to avoid stepping out between noon and 3 pm, when solar exposure remains at its peak. The advisory forms part of wider Government Updates issued in response to the intensifying heat conditions.

Ten States On Alert

The IMD has warned of heatwave conditions across several states on April 27 and 28, covering parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand.

Warm night conditions are also likely in parts of Delhi, Haryana, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, raising health concerns as night-time temperatures remain unusually high. According to officials, persistently hot nights reduce the body’s ability to recover from daytime heat stress.

Schools Take Precautions

State administrations have begun local interventions as temperatures continue to climb. In Madhya Pradesh, authorities ordered the closure of anganwadi centres and all schools up to Class 8 in Indore and Gwalior from April 27 to 30.

In Bihar’s Khagaria district, a government school distributed umbrellas to students to shield them from direct sun exposure. The move reflects the growing urgency of heat-related precautions in a Public Interest Story that has now affected education and daily routines.

Power Demand Surges

The impact of the heatwave alert has extended beyond public health, pushing electricity demand to record levels. India’s peak power demand rose to 252.07 gigawatts, the highest ever recorded in the country.

The previous record of 250 GW was set in May 2024. Officials said the surge was driven by heavy use of cooling appliances, agricultural demand and rising urban consumption, adding fresh pressure on the power grid.

Rain Brings Relief

Even as much of India battled extreme heat, some regions saw brief weather relief. Parts of Rajasthan, including Bikaner, Sikar, Sawai Madhopur and Barmer, received rain on Saturday. Rajsamand also reported hail.

In Bihar, rain was recorded in Supaul, Kishanganj and Madhubani. While the showers offered temporary respite, weather officials indicated they were localised and unlikely to significantly alter the broader heat pattern.

IMD Issues Advisory

The IMD has asked people to avoid direct sun exposure during afternoon hours, drink sufficient water, wear light cotton clothing and take extra care of children and the elderly.

The weather office also warned of hot and humid conditions in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, where heat stress may intensify despite temperatures staying below peak north Indian levels.

Monsoon Concerns Rise

The heatwave alert has also revived concerns over the upcoming monsoon. The World Weather Organization has revised its forecast and said El Niño conditions may begin developing as early as May.

That shift could weaken monsoon performance and affect rainfall distribution in the months ahead. Earlier, the IMD had already indicated that rainfall this season may remain below normal.

The latest MP weather update indicates a sharp escalation in heat conditions across Madhya Pradesh, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a ‘warm night’ alert for the first time this season. The warning comes as both day and night temperatures continue to rise, offering little respite to residents.

Warm Nights Warning

According to officials, cities including Bhopal, Chhindwara, Raisen, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Seoni, Pandhurna, Balaghat and Mandla are likely to witness unusually high night temperatures. These conditions, termed ‘warm nights’, occur when minimum temperatures remain significantly above normal, prolonging heat stress even after sunset.

Heatwave Intensifies

The heatwave has tightened its grip in several parts of the state. Dindori district has been placed under a red alert, with temperatures expected to exceed 43 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, Indore and Gwalior are likely to record maximum temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Hottest Locations Recorded

Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district emerged as the hottest location, recording a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius. Other cities such as Gwalior, Datia, Rewa and Sheopur have also reported temperatures hovering around 42 degrees Celsius, indicating widespread heat conditions across regions.

Weather System Impact

Meteorologists attribute the current conditions to active cyclonic circulation and trough systems over central India. These systems have led to sporadic cloud cover and isolated light rainfall in some areas. However, officials noted that these developments have failed to bring any significant drop in temperatures.

Official Advisory Issued

Weather department officials have advised residents to take necessary precautions as hot winds intensify across the state. “The impact of heatwaves is increasing in several districts. People should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and stay hydrated,” an official said, as per reports.

Health experts have also flagged risks associated with sustained heat exposure, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Limited Relief Ahead

Sources indicated that a fresh western disturbance may become active over the western Himalayan region around April 23. However, its impact on Madhya Pradesh is expected to remain minimal, offering little immediate relief from prevailing heat conditions.

Impact on Daily Life

The ongoing heatwave, coupled with warm nights, is disrupting daily routines across the state. With temperatures remaining high even during nighttime, residents are experiencing discomfort, sleep disturbances and increased health risks. Power demand for cooling appliances has also seen a noticeable surge.

Outlook Remains Severe

The MP weather update suggests that rising temperatures and persistent ‘warm night’ conditions could continue in the near term. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and may issue further advisories if conditions worsen.

A noticeable shift in weather conditions has begun across Chhattisgarh, bringing relief from recent thunderstorms and strong winds. According to meteorological indications, the intensity of lightning, gusty winds, and storm activity is expected to gradually decline, leading to clearer and drier conditions across the state.

Rain and Wind Alert for Short Duration

Despite the easing of storm conditions, the weather department has issued a short-term alert for isolated regions. These areas may experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and wind speeds ranging between 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. This activity is expected to be temporary before a stable weather pattern takes over.

Temperature Likely to Rise in Coming Days

As the atmosphere stabilizes, temperatures across the state are projected to rise significantly. Over the next three days, maximum temperatures could increase by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius. This change may intensify heat conditions, especially in urban centers, signaling the return of summer-like weather.

Recent Weather Patterns Across Regions

During the past 24 hours, northern parts of Chhattisgarh recorded a drop in maximum temperatures by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, central and southern regions saw relatively stable temperature levels. Light to moderate rainfall was observed in several pockets, with Manora, Kansabel, and Jashpurnagar each recording around 10 mm of rainfall.

Temperature Extremes Recorded

Rajnandgaon reported the highest maximum temperature at 38.5°C, indicating rising heat levels in certain areas. On the other hand, Ambikapur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 17.5°C, reflecting cooler nighttime conditions in northern parts of the state.

Two-Day Weather Outlook

For the next two days, dry weather is expected to dominate most parts of Chhattisgarh. Rainfall activity is likely to subside, allowing temperatures to climb steadily and making conditions warmer.

Local Forecast for Raipur

The state capital Raipur is expected to witness clear skies. The maximum temperature may hover around 38°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain close to 24°C. This indicates a warmer day ahead with minimal chances of precipitation.

Reason Behind the Weather Change

The recent spell of rain and thunderstorms was influenced by a cyclonic circulation system along with a trough line extending from Chhattisgarh to Tamil Nadu. As these systems weaken, their impact is diminishing, resulting in reduced storm activity and a gradual increase in temperature.