New Delhi : Weather conditions across India have taken a sudden turn after the onset of summer, bringing unseasonal rain, hailstorms, and dust storms in several regions.
In Rajasthan, hailstorms were reported in desert districts like Jaisalmer and Bikaner on Friday, while rain lashed seven districts including Jaipur. A dust storm also swept through Churu.
In Punjab and nearby regions including Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula, weather conditions shifted with rainfall reported in parts of Mohali, Pathankot, and Bathinda.
In Uttar Pradesh, strong dust storms followed by rain were reported in several districts including Varanasi. Gusty winds and rainfall also hit Prayagraj and Jaunpur. Lightning strikes claimed two lives in Chitrakoot and one in Lalitpur.
The national capital, New Delhi, also experienced a dust storm on Friday morning, significantly reducing visibility in several areas.
Meanwhile, avalanche warnings have been issued for Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Tourist entry has been restricted at the North Portal of Atal Tunnel, while residents in Ganderbal have been advised to stay away from mountainous and snow-covered areas.
The weather department has forecast continued instability over the next three days, issuing rain alerts for multiple states including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.