The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ (heatwave) for Odisha and West Bengal, an ‘orange alert’ for Bihar and Jharkhand, and a ‘yellow alert’ for eastern Uttar Pradesh and northern parts of Kerala in the wake of the severe heatwave conditions prevailing in several states.

India's MET department issues 'red alert' for Odisha, West Bengal

The Indian Met department has alerted of heavy downpour in different parts of India over the next three to four days. Several states in Southern India have started preparations for incessant rains, with closing of schools and deployment of fire and rescue personnel.

As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure area lying over southeast Jharkhand is likely to move nearly eastwards during the next two to three days across West Bengal, triggering widespread rainfall in multiple states in the vicinity.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-officials-search-aap-leader-sanjay-singhs-residence-in-early-morning-raid-linked-to-liquor-policy-case-642351">ED officials search AAP leader Sanjay Singh's residence in early morning raid linked to liquor policy case</a>

IMD said heavy rainfall is likely to continue over Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and north Odisha in next three days and over Northeast India during the next four days.

The forecast also suggests heavy to very heavy rainfall over Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand and north Odisha today, and over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura till October 6.

<h2>Heavy rainfall in parts of India in&nbsp;October</h2>

There has been an ongoing transition from the monsoon season to post-monsoon weather patterns in various parts of the country. The Southwest Monsoon has withdrawn from significant portions of Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, and West Madhya Pradesh, the remaining parts of Rajasthan and some areas of Gujarat.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-flash-floods-hit-sikkim-23-army-personnel-missing-642342">India: Cloudburst triggers flash floods in Sikkim, 23 army personnel missing</a>

Some part of Kerala also witnessed heavy rainfall on Tuesday with the forecast of more rain on Wednesday, forcing district authorities to declare a holiday for educational institutions, including professional colleges and Kendriya Vidyalayas for October 4 due to an orange alert for heavy rain.&nbsp;

Thiruvananthapuram district collector Geromic George declared the holiday also in view of the overflowing of some of the canals in the district due to rains in the past few days.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-urges-oil-producers-for-sensitivity-as-prices-near-90-report-642333">India urges oil producers for 'sensitivity' as prices near $90: Report&nbsp;</a>

The IMD issued an orange alert in the southernmost district of the state and a yellow alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.&nbsp;

An orange alert is issued when rains are of 6 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm to 11 cm.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, more than 150 personnel of fire and rescue services have been deployed in Kanyakumari in the southern state of Tamil Nadu ahead of incessant rainfall. Schools in the city will remain closed for a second day today.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Indian Met department has alerted of heavy downpour in different parts of India over the next three to four days. Several states in Southern India have started preparations for incessant rains, with closing of schools and deployment of fire and rescue personnel.

The Indian Met department has alerted of heavy downpour in different parts of India over the next three to four days. Several states in Southern India have started preparations for incessant rains, with closing of schools and deployment of fire and rescue personnel. As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure area lying over southeast Jharkhand is likely to move nearly eastwards during the next two to three days across West Bengal, triggering widespread rainfall in multiple states in the vicinity. Also Read | ED officials search AAP leader Sanjay Singh's residence in early morning raid linked to liquor policy case IMD said heavy rainfall is likely to continue over Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Sikkim and north Odisha in next three days and over Northeast India during the next four days. The forecast also suggests heavy to very heavy rainfall over Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jharkhand and north Odisha today, and over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura till October 6. Heavy rainfall in parts of India in October There has been an ongoing transition from the monsoon season to post-monsoon weather patterns in various parts of the country. The Southwest Monsoon has withdrawn from significant portions of Uttarakhand, West Uttar Pradesh, and West Madhya Pradesh, the remaining parts of Rajasthan and some areas of Gujarat. Also Read | India: Cloudburst triggers flash floods in Sikkim, 23 army personnel missing Some part of Kerala also witnessed heavy rainfall on Tuesday with the forecast of more rain on Wednesday, forcing district authorities to declare a holiday for educational institutions, including professional colleges and Kendriya Vidyalayas for October 4 due to an orange alert for heavy rain. Thiruvananthapuram district collector Geromic George declared the holiday also in view of the overflowing of some of the canals in the district due to rains in the past few days. Also Read | India urges oil producers for 'sensitivity' as prices near $90: Report The IMD issued an orange alert in the southernmost district of the state and a yellow alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts. An orange alert is issued when rains are of 6 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm to 11 cm. Meanwhile, more than 150 personnel of fire and rescue services have been deployed in Kanyakumari in the southern state of Tamil Nadu ahead of incessant rainfall. Schools in the city will remain closed for a second day today. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India weather update: Heavy rainfall predicted in several states over next three days

A first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here on Friday.

The World Meteorological Department (WMO) has entrusted India with the responsibility of the Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development and its implementation.

India also shares cyclone warning alerts with neighbouring countries.

The system will enable the member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan -- issue impact-based forecasting of floods which are very sudden and of short duration at watershed and also city level, IMD director general Mrutunjay Mohapatra said at the online launch.

Representatives of the member countries attended the event.

Flash floods are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood. There is a general lack of flash flood warning capabilities and capacities among countries across the world.

Recognising that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the 15th WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage.

The system has been developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology, jointly with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC).

The IMD has highly advanced capabilities with respect to computing power, numerical weather prediction, vast observational network (ground, air and space based), and an internationally acclaimed weather forecasting system.

It has tested the performance of the system during recent monsoon seasons in the pre-operational mode and the flash flood bulletins were issued to national hydrological and meteorological services in the region for its validation.

The system has in-depth science, dynamics and diagnostics to provide guidance for the possible occurrences of flash floods at local level.

The guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats (6 hours in advance) and Risks (24 hours in advance) will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological &amp; Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stakeholders for taking necessary mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property in the South Asian region countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka,.

(with inputs)

A first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here on Friday.

A first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here on Friday. The World Meteorological Department (WMO) has entrusted India with the responsibility of the Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development and its implementation. India also shares cyclone warning alerts with neighbouring countries. The system will enable the member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan -- issue impact-based forecasting of floods which are very sudden and of short duration at watershed and also city level, IMD director general Mrutunjay Mohapatra said at the online launch. Representatives of the member countries attended the event. Flash floods are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood. There is a general lack of flash flood warning capabilities and capacities among countries across the world. Recognising that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the 15th WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage. The system has been developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology, jointly with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC). The IMD has highly advanced capabilities with respect to computing power, numerical weather prediction, vast observational network (ground, air and space based), and an internationally acclaimed weather forecasting system. It has tested the performance of the system during recent monsoon seasons in the pre-operational mode and the flash flood bulletins were issued to national hydrological and meteorological services in the region for its validation. The system has in-depth science, dynamics and diagnostics to provide guidance for the possible occurrences of flash floods at local level. The guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats (6 hours in advance) and Risks (24 hours in advance) will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological & Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stakeholders for taking necessary mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property in the South Asian region countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka,. (with inputs)

First-of-its-kind flash flood warning system for South Asian countries launched

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-government-to-put-forward-brexit-bill-in-june-218823">British government</a> will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts.

The new supercomputer, which will be managed by the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-10-hottest-years-all-occurred-since-2002-met-office-239584">Met Office</a>.

It will be used to help more accurately predict storms, select the most suitable locations for flood defences and predict changes to the global climate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-ciara-devastates-uk-yorkshire-worst-hit-279711">Storm Ciara devastates UK; Yorkshire worst hit, flights disrupted</a>

Better forecasting will lead to an increment in the speed as well as the processing of more data.

It will enable better forecasting for airports so they can plan for potential disruption and provide more detailed information for the energy sector so it can prevent potential energy blackouts and surges.

Met claims that it can guide Environment Agency teams deploying mobile flood barriers or help the National Grid balancing fluctuations in wind and solar power.

It'll be the biggest investment in the 170-year history of the organisation and will dwarf the £97m bill for the current supercomputer.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-one-person-dies-as-heavy-flooding-and-high-winds-hit-uk-280997">Storm Dennis: One person dies as heavy flooding and high winds hit UK</a>

To avoid contributing&nbsp;to the already enormous carbon emission, the computer will be located in countries with easy sources of clean energy.

The countries which are being considered are Iceland because of its geothermal sources and Norway its hydropower.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-10-hottest-years-all-occurred-since-2002-met-office-239584">Met Office</a>'s current supercomputers reach their end of life in late 2022.&nbsp;

The first phase of the new supercomputer will increase the Met Office computing capacity by six times, the government said on Monday.

The Met Office is currently using more than 200 billion observations from satellites, weather stations and buoys out in the ocean every day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-ciara-devastates-uk-yorkshire-worst-hit-279711">Storm Ciara</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-one-person-dies-as-heavy-flooding-and-high-winds-hit-uk-280997">Storm Dennis</a> have both caused widespread wind and flooding damage in the country.

The British government will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts.

The British government will invest 1.2 billion pounds in what it claims is the world's most powerful supercomputer to provide more accurate weather and climate forecasts. The new supercomputer, which will be managed by the country's Met Office. It will be used to help more accurately predict storms, select the most suitable locations for flood defences and predict changes to the global climate. Also read: Storm Ciara devastates UK; Yorkshire worst hit, flights disrupted Better forecasting will lead to an increment in the speed as well as the processing of more data. It will enable better forecasting for airports so they can plan for potential disruption and provide more detailed information for the energy sector so it can prevent potential energy blackouts and surges. Met claims that it can guide Environment Agency teams deploying mobile flood barriers or help the National Grid balancing fluctuations in wind and solar power. It'll be the biggest investment in the 170-year history of the organisation and will dwarf the £97m bill for the current supercomputer. Also read: Storm Dennis: One person dies as heavy flooding and high winds hit UK To avoid contributing to the already enormous carbon emission, the computer will be located in countries with easy sources of clean energy. The countries which are being considered are Iceland because of its geothermal sources and Norway its hydropower. The Met Office's current supercomputers reach their end of life in late 2022. The first phase of the new supercomputer will increase the Met Office computing capacity by six times, the government said on Monday. The Met Office is currently using more than 200 billion observations from satellites, weather stations and buoys out in the ocean every day. Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis have both caused widespread wind and flooding damage in the country.

UK to invest $1.6 billion in weather and climate supercomputer

Kashmir was cut off from the rest of the country on Saturday as both surface as well as aerial connectivity to the valley was disrupted due to heavy snowfall which threw life out of gear here.

Most places in Kashmir, including plains of the valley, received moderate to heavy snowfall overnight, officials of the MeT Department said.

The snowfall, which began in the late afternoon on Friday, continued in most parts of the valley this morning, they said, adding it is one of the heaviest snowfalls in the recent years in the plains of Kashmir.

Srinagar recorded 10 inches of snowfall till 8:30 in the morning and the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded two feet of fresh snow. While Qazigund recorded 11 inches, Kokernag three inches, Pahalgam 16 inches and Kupwara 17 inches of snow, the officials said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The higher reaches of the valley received heavy snowfall which has led to closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other road links, a spokesman of the Traffic Control Room here said.

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Visuals: Jammu Srinagar National Highway closed due to snowfall in the region. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/U6fm31ru6T">pic.twitter.com/U6fm31ru6T</a>
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He said Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh National Highway and Bandipora-Gurez road were also closed for traffic.

The snowfall also disrupted the air traffic to and from Srinagar international airport.

An official of the airport said the flight which lands at the airport at 9 am was cancelled due to poor visibility because of the snowfall.

"So far, no air traffic has been possible at the Srinagar airport," he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> : Snow clearance operation underway in Gulmarg after heavy snowfall in the region. <a href="https://t.co/1J08PdhCHd">pic.twitter.com/1J08PdhCHd</a>
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He said the decision to operate other flights will be taken by the airliners and the air traffic control if there is any improvement in the conditions.

The snowfall has also disrupted normal life and affected the movement of people and transport in Srinagar city and other districts of the valley.

However, road clearance operations have been undertaken by the respective district administrations across the valley since the morning.

Most areas of have valley have been without electricity since last night, the officials said.

Owing to the snowfall, the night temperature in the valley rose last night providing relief to the residents from the intense cold conditions.

The mercury in Srinagar city, which had recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius on the previous night, settled at a low of minus 1.3 degrees Celsius Friday night.&nbsp;

Kashmir was cut off from the rest of the country on Saturday as both surface as well as aerial connectivity to the valley was disrupted due to heavy snowfall which threw life out of gear here.

Kashmir was cut off from the rest of the country on Saturday as both surface as well as aerial connectivity to the valley was disrupted due to heavy snowfall which threw life out of gear here. Most places in Kashmir, including plains of the valley, received moderate to heavy snowfall overnight, officials of the MeT Department said. The snowfall, which began in the late afternoon on Friday, continued in most parts of the valley this morning, they said, adding it is one of the heaviest snowfalls in the recent years in the plains of Kashmir. Srinagar recorded 10 inches of snowfall till 8:30 in the morning and the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded two feet of fresh snow. While Qazigund recorded 11 inches, Kokernag three inches, Pahalgam 16 inches and Kupwara 17 inches of snow, the officials said. The higher reaches of the valley received heavy snowfall which has led to closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other road links, a spokesman of the Traffic Control Room here said. Visuals: Jammu Srinagar National Highway closed due to snowfall in the region. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/U6fm31ru6T — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2019 × He said Mughal Road, Srinagar-Leh National Highway and Bandipora-Gurez road were also closed for traffic. The snowfall also disrupted the air traffic to and from Srinagar international airport. An official of the airport said the flight which lands at the airport at 9 am was cancelled due to poor visibility because of the snowfall. "So far, no air traffic has been possible at the Srinagar airport," he said. #JammuAndKashmir : Snow clearance operation underway in Gulmarg after heavy snowfall in the region. pic.twitter.com/1J08PdhCHd — ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2019 × He said the decision to operate other flights will be taken by the airliners and the air traffic control if there is any improvement in the conditions. The snowfall has also disrupted normal life and affected the movement of people and transport in Srinagar city and other districts of the valley. However, road clearance operations have been undertaken by the respective district administrations across the valley since the morning. Most areas of have valley have been without electricity since last night, the officials said. Owing to the snowfall, the night temperature in the valley rose last night providing relief to the residents from the intense cold conditions. The mercury in Srinagar city, which had recorded a low of minus 3.2 degrees Celsius on the previous night, settled at a low of minus 1.3 degrees Celsius Friday night.

Heavy snowfall throws life out of gear in Kashmir; surface, aerial connectivity disrupted

Srinagar -- the summer capital of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-snubs-pakistan-on-jammu-and-kashmir-185882">Jammu and Kashmir</a> -- recorded the coldest night in 11 years as the minimum temperature plunged to minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, resulting in partial freezing of the Dal Lake and water supply lines to residential areas on Monday.

The all-time low recorded in the month of December in Srinagar is minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934.

"Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius. This is the coldest recorded temperature in the city in almost 11 years. The city had registered a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on December 31, 2007," an official of the MET department told PTI on Monday.

The cold wave resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes.

The official said Qazigund the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5 degrees Celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, he said.

The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, the official said, adding the resort was colder than Gulmarg and the coldest place in the valley.

The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, he said.

The official said Leh recorded a low of minus 14.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday night down from minus 14.3 degrees Celsius the previous night which was the coldest night of the season in the frontier town.

The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 15.3 degrees Celsius, they added.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably.

'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold).

However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November.

The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly.

The Met office has forecast mainly dry weather till Wednesday.

Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- recorded the coldest night in 11 years as the minimum temperature plunged to minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, resulting in partial freezing of the Dal Lake and water supply lines to residential areas on Monday.

Srinagar -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- recorded the coldest night in 11 years as the minimum temperature plunged to minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, resulting in partial freezing of the Dal Lake and water supply lines to residential areas on Monday. The all-time low recorded in the month of December in Srinagar is minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934. "Srinagar city recorded a low of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius. This is the coldest recorded temperature in the city in almost 11 years. The city had registered a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on December 31, 2007," an official of the MET department told PTI on Monday. The cold wave resulted in freezing of some water bodies, including the fringes of the famous Dal Lake here, and residential water supply pipes. The official said Qazigund the gateway town to the valley - in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5 degrees Celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius on Sunday night. Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, he said. The night temperature in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir, settled at a low of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, the official said, adding the resort was colder than Gulmarg and the coldest place in the valley. The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature of minus 6.8 degrees Celsius, he said. The official said Leh recorded a low of minus 14.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday night down from minus 14.3 degrees Celsius the previous night which was the coldest night of the season in the frontier town. The nearby Kargil recorded a low of minus 15.3 degrees Celsius, they added. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan' the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably. 'Chillai-Kalan' ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir. The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long 'Chillai-Khurd' (small cold) and a 10-day long 'Chillai-Bachha' (baby cold). However, the winter this season has been dry so far, although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in first and second week of November. The prolonged dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly. The Met office has forecast mainly dry weather till Wednesday.

Watch: Srinagar records coldest night in 11 years

Cyclone 'Daye' lashes Odisha, 2 shutters of upper Kolab dam opened after rise in water level

Several flight&nbsp;operations were suspended following the dust storm in Chandigarh causing the low visibility news agency ANI reported on Thursday.

ANI further reported that Air India flight bound for Chandigarh flying from Mumbai was left stranded at Delhi airport due to the sandstorm.

The meteorological department, however, has said that that the situation would improve only by Friday afternoon.

"No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh (airport) until today afternoon due to bad weather," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official was quoted as saying by PTI.

The weather department here said that a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with the wind, speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, since yesterday.

Director of Chandigarh's MeT Department Surinder Paul told PTI that a western disturbance approaching the region was likely to clear the air.

"A western disturbance is approaching the region and the dusty weather should dissipate by tomorrow afternoon," Paul said.

The northern part of India including Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab is witnessing dust storms from past two days.

On Wednesday, the mercury hit 46.2 degrees Celsius in Punjab. Heatwave also prevailed in most part of the state.

The Patiala recorded the hottest day with 46.2 temperature while in Ludhiana the temperature was recorded at 43.1.

According to reports, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in an upcoming week.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Flight operations suspended at Chandigarh Airport due to poor visibility following dust storm.
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Air India Mumbai-Chandigarh flight stranded at Delhi airport due to sandstorm at Chandigarh.
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&nbsp;

The meteorological department, however, has said that that the situation would improve only by Friday afternoon

Several flight operations were suspended following the dust storm in Chandigarh causing the low visibility news agency ANI reported on Thursday. ANI further reported that Air India flight bound for Chandigarh flying from Mumbai was left stranded at Delhi airport due to the sandstorm. The meteorological department, however, has said that that the situation would improve only by Friday afternoon. "No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh (airport) until today afternoon due to bad weather," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official was quoted as saying by PTI. The weather department here said that a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with the wind, speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, since yesterday. Director of Chandigarh's MeT Department Surinder Paul told PTI that a western disturbance approaching the region was likely to clear the air. "A western disturbance is approaching the region and the dusty weather should dissipate by tomorrow afternoon," Paul said. The northern part of India including Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab is witnessing dust storms from past two days. On Wednesday, the mercury hit 46.2 degrees Celsius in Punjab. Heatwave also prevailed in most part of the state. The Patiala recorded the hottest day with 46.2 temperature while in Ludhiana the temperature was recorded at 43.1. According to reports, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in an upcoming week. (With inputs from PTI) Flight operations suspended at Chandigarh Airport due to poor visibility following dust storm. — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 × Air India Mumbai-Chandigarh flight stranded at Delhi airport due to sandstorm at Chandigarh. — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 ×

Several flights were suspended in Chandigarh due to low visibillity

Thunderstorms accompanied by squalls and hail are likely to lash large parts of northern and eastern India besides isolated places in the south tomorrow with winds gusting up to 50-70 kilometers per hour, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The IMD said thunderstorms accompanied by squalls and hail, was very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand tomorrow.

Thunderstorms, accompanied by squalls, are also very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.

Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds, are very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Bihar, western Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh and east Rajasthan, coastal and south Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Heavy rains were very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka and Kerala.

Today, thunderstorms, accompanied by squalls with wind speeds reaching 50-70 kmph and hail, are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, a home ministry spokesperson said quoting the IMD advisory.

Thunderstorms accompanied by squalls ar very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Gangetic West Bengal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds, is very likely at isolated places over western Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Telangana, north interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Thunderstorms, accompanied by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-sandstorm-hits-rajasthans-bikaner-135254">dust storms</a>, are very likely at isolated places over Rajasthan. Dust storms are very likely at isolated places over northwest Madhya Pradesh.

Heavy rains were also very likely at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

Thunderstorms with light rain and strong winds would also occur in Delhi-NCR, Hissar, Jind, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Narnaul today, the IMD advisory said.

Heat wave conditions were likely at one or two pockets over Vidarbha and West Madhya Pradesh today.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department said parts of the south would also be hit

Thunderstorms accompanied by squalls and hail are likely to lash large parts of northern and eastern India besides isolated places in the south tomorrow with winds gusting up to 50-70 kilometers per hour, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The IMD said thunderstorms accompanied by squalls and hail, was very likely at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand tomorrow. Thunderstorms, accompanied by squalls, are also very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds, are very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, Bihar, western Madhya Pradesh, east Uttar Pradesh and east Rajasthan, coastal and south Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Heavy rains were very likely at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, south interior Karnataka and Kerala. Today, thunderstorms, accompanied by squalls with wind speeds reaching 50-70 kmph and hail, are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, a home ministry spokesperson said quoting the IMD advisory. Thunderstorms accompanied by squalls ar very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Gangetic West Bengal, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds, is very likely at isolated places over western Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Telangana, north interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Thunderstorms, accompanied by dust storms, are very likely at isolated places over Rajasthan. Dust storms are very likely at isolated places over northwest Madhya Pradesh. Heavy rains were also very likely at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. Thunderstorms with light rain and strong winds would also occur in Delhi-NCR, Hissar, Jind, Rohtak, Bhiwani and Narnaul today, the IMD advisory said. Heat wave conditions were likely at one or two pockets over Vidarbha and West Madhya Pradesh today.

Winds up to 70 kmph, thunderstorms likely to lash north, east India Tuesday: Met Department

The intense summer heat prevailing in Delhi and NCR has wreaked havoc over the Delhiites.&nbsp;

However, the day temperatures soared to sky touching heights nearing 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Met Department, in its weekly weather forecast, had mentioned that throughout the week the maximum temperature will fluctuate between 38 degrees Celsius and 42 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature will oscillate 21 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

Met had also marked the mid days of the upcoming week with thunderstorm and strong surface wind activities on its weekly weather chart.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also reported that most parts of north India can expect an intense heat wave this summer, with average mean temperatures remaining more than a degree above normal in the months of April, May and June.

"The hot weather season (April to June) is expected to have the above normal sub-divisional average seasonal temperatures over most of the meteorological sub-divisions of the country except the subdivisions of eastern, east-central and southern parts for the country that are likely to experience slightly below normal seasonal temperatures," the IMD said in a bulletin.

The mercury has started rocketing, reaching 40 degrees Celsius in parts of India, including in Delhi.&nbsp;

Met Department, in its weekly weather forecast, had mentioned that throughout the week the maximum temperature will fluctuate between 38 degrees Celsius and 42 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature will oscillate 21 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius.

The intense summer heat prevailing in Delhi and NCR has wreaked havoc over the Delhiites. However, the day temperatures soared to sky touching heights nearing 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Met Department, in its weekly weather forecast, had mentioned that throughout the week the maximum temperature will fluctuate between 38 degrees Celsius and 42 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature will oscillate 21 degrees to 24 degrees Celsius. Met had also marked the mid days of the upcoming week with thunderstorm and strong surface wind activities on its weekly weather chart. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also reported that most parts of north India can expect an intense heat wave this summer, with average mean temperatures remaining more than a degree above normal in the months of April, May and June. "The hot weather season (April to June) is expected to have the above normal sub-divisional average seasonal temperatures over most of the meteorological sub-divisions of the country except the subdivisions of eastern, east-central and southern parts for the country that are likely to experience slightly below normal seasonal temperatures," the IMD said in a bulletin. The mercury has started rocketing, reaching 40 degrees Celsius in parts of India, including in Delhi.

Day temperature shoots up to 42-degree Celsius in Delhi

Cyclone Ockhi, which was expected to make a landfall <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-okchi-hailstorm-near-mumbai-schools-colleges-shut-today-25882">in Maharashtra</a>, has now moved away from the state and is heading towards Gujarat.

The cyclone is expected to make a landfall in Surat and the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat on December 6, the meteorological department said.

The Surat district administration has said it is likely to rain today with strong winds and said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on the alert.

&quot;It&#39;s likely to rain today, there will be strong winds. People have been advised not to go out at night. Those living in kachha houses will be given shelter. NDRF is on alert. Municipality and local bodies are working on their level,&quot; Surat District Magistrate Mahendra Patel told ANI.

On Twitter, PM Modi appealed to BJP workers in Gujarat to provide assistance to the people.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
With <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneOckhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneOckhi</a> expected to make a landfall in Gujarat, I appeal to <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Gujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Gujarat</a> Karyakartas to focus on helping people across the state. Our Karyakartas should devote themselves to providing all possible assistance and stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow citizens.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/937924500754010113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister also wrote on Twitter that he was &quot;continuously monitoring the situation arising in various parts of the country.&quot;

Election rallies which were to be addressed by BJP President Amit Shah have also been cancelled in Saurashtra.

Meanwhile, schools and colleges in Mumbai and the adjoining areas of Sindhudurga, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts remained shut today as a precautionary measure.

Areas near Mumbai and the Mumbai-Pune highway witnessed a hailstorm today.

The weather department has forecast intermittent rains in Mumbai and suburbs in the next 24 hours.

&quot;Intermittent rain/thundershowers very likely to occur in Mumbai and suburbs in next 24 hours,&quot; a report of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai stated at 8 am.

&quot;Heavy rainfall is likely at a few places with squally wind speed reaching 50 to 60 km per hour gusting to 70 km per hour very likely along coastal area in next 24 hours.&quot;

The met department has also asked fishermen at the Maharashtra-Goa coasts not to venture into the sea for the next 48 hours.&nbsp;

&quot;Fishermen are advised to return back to the coast and are advised not to go out in the sea during next 48 hours,&quot; the statement by the met department said.

&quot;Due to severe cyclonic storm &#39;Ockhi&#39; over the east-central Arabian sea near latitude 15.7&deg;n and longitude 69.2&deg;e, squally weather very likely to prevail along and off your ports.&quot;

The deadly cyclone has claimed at least 20 lives with hundreds still missing after it made a landfall in Kerala on November 30 and caused devastation in the southern state, in neighbouring Tamil Nadu before heading for Lakshadweep and Goa.

Search and rescue operations in the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands continue.&nbsp;

The Navy has deployed 10 naval ships and eight aircraft, round the clock service late last night for the ongoing rescue operations.&nbsp;

The cyclone is expected to make a landfall in Surat and the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat on December 6, the meteorological department said

Cyclone Ockhi, which was expected to make a landfall in Maharashtra, has now moved away from the state and is heading towards Gujarat. The cyclone is expected to make a landfall in Surat and the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat on December 6, the meteorological department said. The Surat district administration has said it is likely to rain today with strong winds and said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is on the alert. "It's likely to rain today, there will be strong winds. People have been advised not to go out at night. Those living in kachha houses will be given shelter. NDRF is on alert. Municipality and local bodies are working on their level," Surat District Magistrate Mahendra Patel told ANI. On Twitter, PM Modi appealed to BJP workers in Gujarat to provide assistance to the people. With #CycloneOckhi expected to make a landfall in Gujarat, I appeal to @BJP4Gujarat Karyakartas to focus on helping people across the state. Our Karyakartas should devote themselves to providing all possible assistance and stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow citizens. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 5, 2017 × The prime minister also wrote on Twitter that he was "continuously monitoring the situation arising in various parts of the country." Election rallies which were to be addressed by BJP President Amit Shah have also been cancelled in Saurashtra. Meanwhile, schools and colleges in Mumbai and the adjoining areas of Sindhudurga, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts remained shut today as a precautionary measure. Areas near Mumbai and the Mumbai-Pune highway witnessed a hailstorm today. The weather department has forecast intermittent rains in Mumbai and suburbs in the next 24 hours. "Intermittent rain/thundershowers very likely to occur in Mumbai and suburbs in next 24 hours," a report of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Mumbai stated at 8 am. "Heavy rainfall is likely at a few places with squally wind speed reaching 50 to 60 km per hour gusting to 70 km per hour very likely along coastal area in next 24 hours." The met department has also asked fishermen at the Maharashtra-Goa coasts not to venture into the sea for the next 48 hours. "Fishermen are advised to return back to the coast and are advised not to go out in the sea during next 48 hours," the statement by the met department said. "Due to severe cyclonic storm 'Ockhi' over the east-central Arabian sea near latitude 15.7°n and longitude 69.2°e, squally weather very likely to prevail along and off your ports." The deadly cyclone has claimed at least 20 lives with hundreds still missing after it made a landfall in Kerala on November 30 and caused devastation in the southern state, in neighbouring Tamil Nadu before heading for Lakshadweep and Goa. Search and rescue operations in the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands continue. The Navy has deployed 10 naval ships and eight aircraft, round the clock service late last night for the ongoing rescue operations.

Cyclone Ockhi heads towards Gujarat; causes hailstorm in Mumbai

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