Severe weather update today: 22 dead in UP, Schools collapse, heat hits 48°C

Heavy storms, rain, and intense heat swept across several states on Wednesday, causing widespread damage and deaths. Uttar Pradesh saw the highest toll, where 22 people lost their lives due to lightning, falling trees, and collapsed walls.

In Firozabad, a woman died after a tin sheet, carried by the wind, cut her neck. Power lines fell, trees were uprooted, and homes were damaged across western UP, including Meerut, Agra, Sambhal, and Noida. Strong winds at 80 km/h created panic in Noida, where people ran for cover during a sudden power cut. A 10-km-long traffic jam formed due to fallen trees and signboards.

In Delhi, the storm hit around 8 pm. Strong winds and hail damaged roads and vehicles. Trees and poles fell across the city. Metro services were delayed, and over 50 flights were affected. Ten were diverted to Jaipur and one to Mumbai. Two people died, and at least 11 were injured.

Morena in Madhya Pradesh reported storm damage too. A flying tin sheet injured a woman. Electric poles were damaged in many places. Chhatarpur and Gwalior recorded extreme heat before the storm. Khajuraho touched 46°C. A heat wave alert is in effect for Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Tikamgarh, and Chhatarpur. Meanwhile, 35 districts including Bhopal and Indore remain under thunderstorm alert.

In Rajasthan, heat continues to rise. Three cities ranked in the top five hottest in India. Sri Ganganagar recorded 47.6°C. Pilani and Churu followed close behind. The state expects 48°C in some districts. A heat wave warning is active in 17 districts. At the same time, rain is likely in Alwar and Bharatpur.

In Chhattisgarh, four people died after being struck by lightning. A father and son were among the victims in Balrampur. The Meteorological Department issued an orange alert in 10 districts, warning of heavy rain, storms, and lightning over the next four days.

Jammu and Kashmir also faced damage. A storm hit Poonch, collapsing several schools. The army launched rescue operations. A Delhi-Srinagar IndiGo flight caught in turbulence had to make an emergency landing after its nose cone was damaged.

Gujarat recorded rain in 49 cities. A yellow alert has been issued in seven districts including Somnath and Bhavnagar. Thunderstorms and rain are expected for the next four days.

Assam and Goa saw continuous rain. In Guwahati, showers began early Thursday. In Goa, roads flooded for the second straight day. Two women fell while crossing waterlogged streets.

In Bihar, the weather department warned of rain in 19 districts. Winds may reach up to 50 km/h. Temperatures are likely to rise again after May 25.

In Haryana, a storm led to the death of a grandmother when a house collapsed. Her grandson was injured. The state also saw heavy rain and hail in seven districts. Heat wave alerts remain for 14 districts.

In Himachal Pradesh, the weather department has warned of rain, hail, and storms from May 24 to 27. An orange alert is active in eight districts. Winds may blow up to 60 km/h.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued alerts in 31 states and union territories. While some areas face storm and rain warnings, others remain under heat wave alerts. People are advised to stay indoors during extreme weather and avoid traveling unless necessary.

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