- By Priyanka Koul
- Sat, 30 May 2026 08:12 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Weather Update: After days of intense heatwave conditions, a western disturbance kept Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh cooler and largely overcast on Friday, bringing relief from the scorching heat. However, it also left a trail of destruction across several states.
The weather turned deadly in multiple parts of India as strong storms, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms triggered widespread damage. The sudden change in weather disrupted normal life across several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Power supply was disrupted in many areas after trees and electricity poles collapsed, while rail and flight operations also faced major disruptions. According to reports, rain-related incidents claimed at least 20 lives in Uttar Pradesh, 14 in Bihar, two in Uttarakhand, and two in Jharkhand, Jagran.com reported.
Almost the entire state of Uttar Pradesh witnessed thunderstorms, rainfall, and hailstorms beginning late Thursday night, with Bundelkhand and eastern UP among the worst-affected regions.
Four trees fell on railway tracks between Chauri Chaura and Gauri Bazar stations in the Varanasi division of the Northeast Railway, affecting train movement.
ALSO READ: Fuel Price Hike: CNG Price Increased By Rs 2 In Mumbai; Check New Rate
Train operations also hit on Jhansi-Lucknow rail route
Due to rain and storm conditions, the power supply between Gorakhpur Cantt and Deoria was disrupted on Friday after strong winds damaged infrastructure, forcing several trains to halt mid-route. Train operations on the Jhansi-Lucknow rail section were also suspended after an overhead electric pole collapsed between Orai and Bhua stations.
Varanasi recorded storm winds of nearly 75 kmph, while Prayagraj witnessed record rainfall. Between 1 am and 5 am, the city received 61 mm of rainfall, breaking a 55-year-old May rainfall record. The previous highest single-day rainfall in May was 54 mm, recorded on May 18, 1971.
In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to assess the damage and distribute relief funds within 24 hours.
Bihar witnesses major damage due to storms and lightning
In Bihar, storms, rainfall, and lightning caused widespread damage to life and property on Friday.
Rainfall in Nepal also caused the Gandak River’s water level to rise in West Champaran district. The approach road leading to the pontoon bridge near Pujaha Ghat was submerged and damaged after the river water level increased.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary directed the Disaster Management Department to immediately provide ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Similarly, Jharkhand also witnessed light to moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds, bringing some relief from the scorching heat.
Lightning strike kills two brothers from Lucknow in Uttarakhand
Rainfall has also brought major relief to Uttarakhand by helping extinguish forest fires that had spread across several regions of the state.
In Garhwal, 354 forest fire incidents damaged nearly 305.78 hectares of forest land, while 83 incidents in Kumaon affected around 69.29 hectares. However, rainfall on Thursday night and Friday evening completely doused the fires.
Two brothers from Lucknow died after lightning struck the Tungnath-Chopta region in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district on Friday evening amid severe weather conditions. The two had travelled there for trekking.
More than 50 stranded tourists were rescued by local authorities and relief agencies after weather conditions suddenly worsened in the region. According to the District Emergency Operations Centre, tourists got trapped in the Tungnath-Chopta area around 4:17 pm following sudden thunderstorms and heavy winds.
A 19-year-old boy, identified as Abhinav Vajpayee from Lucknow, died on the spot after being struck by lightning before rescue teams arrived, Jagran.com reported.
His brother, 22-year-old Abhishek Vajpayee, along with Unnao resident Shubham Shukla and two others identified as Ajan Mishra and Neev Mishra, were injured. Abhishek later died while being taken to the primary health centre in Ukhimath.
Meanwhile, parts of Himachal Pradesh witnessed heavy hailstorms and rainfall, leading to a drop in temperatures. Light snowfall was also reported from higher reaches, including Rohtang, Shinkula, and Baralacha.
Several areas of the Jammu division experienced cloudy skies and strong winds, providing relief from the heat. In Anantnag, a 70-year-old woman died after a walnut tree fell due to strong winds.
Seven killed in South Bengal due to storms and rain
South Bengal witnessed severe storms, heavy rainfall, and lightning on Friday afternoon, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least seven people dead and several others injured.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those killed. She also said the state government would bear the full treatment cost of the injured.