Weather

South India is grappling with intense rainfall and severe weather conditions, leading to multiple fatalities and widespread disruptions. Karnataka has reported five rain-related deaths, including three in Bengaluru due to electrocution and a wall collapse. Tamil Nadu saw three lives lost in Madurai following a wall collapse amid heavy rain. Kerala is under a red alert with the IMD warning of extremely heavy rainfall and possible landslides as the monsoon approaches. A developing cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea is expected to intensify, bringing more rain to the region. Authorities urge caution and preparedness across all affected states.

Over 500 flights were delayed and three were diverted at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday after severe thunderstorms and heavy rain struck the city. The intense early-morning downpour, described by the IMD as the second-highest 24-hour rainfall in May since 1901, caused air traffic congestion, road blockages, and a tragic house collapse that claimed four lives. Airlines and airport authorities warned of ongoing disruptions throughout the day.

A woman and her three children tragically lost their lives after their house collapsed during a powerful thunderstorm in Delhi's Dwarka area early Friday. The incident occurred when a tree, uprooted by strong winds, fell on their one-room house. The father, Vijay, was critically injured and is undergoing treatment. The storm caused widespread damage, uprooted trees, waterlogged streets, and disrupted flights across the city.

At least 47 people have died in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh due to lightning strikes, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall over the past two days. Bihar reported 25 deaths, mostly in Nalanda, while 22 were killed across 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh. Authorities have issued alerts and announced ₹4 lakh ex gratia for each victim’s family as weather conditions remain severe.

Delhi and several northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, are set to experience a heatwave from April 5 to April 8, with temperatures rising to 40°C-42°C. The IMD has issued warnings for these regions, forecasting intense heat, especially in Delhi, where the maximum temperature is expected to soar. In addition, above-normal temperatures are predicted for April to June, with a higher number of heatwave days expected across various states. Meanwhile, parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Northeast will see light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds.