In a tragic turn of weather more than 100 people have lost their lives across India and Nepal following a wave of unseasonal heavy rainfall, lightning strikes and thunderstorms that began midweek. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued adverse weather in the coming days with both storms and extreme heat forecast for different parts of the region.
Eastern Indian states have been hit hardest. Bihar has reported at least 82 deaths over the past 48 hours primarily due to lightning and other rain-related incidents according to the state’s disaster management department. In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, 18 fatalities have been linked to storms and lightning strikes.
Nepal has also suffered from the sudden shift in weather. The country’s National Disaster Authority confirmed at least eight deaths as heavy rains and lightning swept through several districts.
What makes the situation more alarming is the timing of these events. Typically, such intense downpours are associated with the monsoon season, which begins in June. However, the current system appears to have been triggered by unusual atmospheric conditions that have brought monsoon-like weather much earlier.
The IMD has issued a fresh alert forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across central and eastern India through the weekend and into early next week. At the same time, the department has flagged extreme heatwave conditions in the western part of the country, creating a dual crisis scenario.
Just last week, the IMD had warned that April was likely to be hotter than usual, with many regions expected to experience above-average temperatures. The contrast of deadly rainstorms in some areas and scorching heat in others has placed significant pressure on local governments and emergency services.
Officials continue to urge citizens to remain cautious, avoid open fields during lightning, and stay updated with local weather advisories. Relief and rescue operations are underway in the affected regions, while disaster response teams have been deployed to manage the evolving crisis.
As climate patterns continue to shift unpredictably, these events underline the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and adaptive infrastructure to cope with the growing threats of extreme weather in South Asia.