At least 89 people were killed and 53 injured after powerful storms, heavy rain and hailstorms swept across several districts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The worst-hit areas included Prayagraj, Bhadohi, Fatehpur and Badaun, where houses collapsed, trees and electric poles were uprooted, and lightning strikes claimed multiple lives. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to provide relief and compensation to affected families within 24 hours. Authorities have also ordered surveys to assess crop and property damage caused by the unseasonal weather across the state. 

Rising concerns over a possible El Niño-driven weak monsoon are pushing Indian farmers towards drought-resistant crops and hyperlocal weather forecasting strategies. Farmers across Karnataka and other regions fear lower rainfall after poor pre-monsoon showers damaged crops, including mango yields. The India Meteorological Department has forecast monsoon rainfall at 92 per cent of the long-period average, categorised as “below normal”. Agronomists say farmers may increasingly shift towards short-duration and less water-intensive crops such as finger millet, while adopting green-manuring practices to improve soil moisture retention. Researchers and climate experts are also promoting hyperlocal crop-weather forecasting systems to help farmers manage irrigation, sowing and harvesting decisions as climate variability and rainfall uncertainty intensify across India. (PC: The Telegraph)

Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcano erupted violently on Halmahera Island, killing at least three hikers and trapping several others near the crater. Authorities said the eruption sent ash nearly 10 kilometres into the sky, forcing emergency teams to suspend rescue efforts temporarily due to dangerous conditions. Among the dead were two foreign tourists and one Indonesian national. Officials confirmed that many hikers had ignored safety warnings and entered a restricted zone despite heightened volcanic activity. Seventeen climbers were rescued, while several injured survivors were taken to hospital. Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently faces deadly volcanic eruptions and seismic disasters.

The Mayon Volcano erupted on Saturday afternoon, releasing a fast-moving pyroclastic flow and a thick ash plume that disrupted traffic and raised safety concerns. The eruption generated a pyroclastic density current, locally called “uson,” which rapidly descended the volcano’s slopes through the Mi-isi gully. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology confirmed the event and warned of life-threatening hazards from hot gas, ash, and debris. Heavy ashfall reduced visibility in nearby areas like Camalig, while authorities urged residents to remain alert as volcanic activity continues.

A dust storm hit Delhi-NCR as the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds up to 60 kmph, offering relief after days of heatwave. Temperatures hovered between 43–45°C but are expected to dip to 40–42°C on Tuesday and further to 37–41°C by midweek with continued cloudiness. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast through April 30 across Delhi and nearby regions, including Punjab and Haryana. Nationwide, temperatures remain high at 40–46°C in most areas, while northeastern and Himalayan regions stay cooler. Broader rainfall activity is expected over northeast and eastern India in the coming days.

Delhi-NCR may get rain on Monday after days of strong heat. Dust storms also hit many areas. The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for light rain, thunderstorms and strong winds up to 60 kmph. Temperatures stayed very high between 43°C and 45°C. Weather officials said heatwave conditions may ease from Tuesday. The maximum temperature may fall to 40°C to 42°C on Tuesday and 39°C to 41°C on Wednesday. Cloudy skies may continue till Thursday. Rain is also likely in nearby states such as Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh this week.

A strong heatwave continues across Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, the India Meteorological Department said. Many areas may see temperatures above 42°C till April 30. Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded 47.4°C, among the highest this season. Akola in Maharashtra touched 46.9°C. The IMD said heatwave conditions will stay in parts of northwest and central India for the next few days. Some relief is expected with light rain and strong winds in Delhi from Monday evening. Temperatures in the capital may fall slightly to 40–42°C. A wider drop is likely from April 29, though the relief may not last long. (PC: X)

The India Meteorological Department said heatwave conditions will continue in Delhi for the next three days. An orange alert has been issued for Sunday and a yellow alert for Monday. Temperatures may reach 43–45°C, while minimum levels may stay between 25–27°C. IMD said this is the third straight day of heatwave in the city. Similar conditions are reported in parts of north and central India. “Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions prevailed over isolated places,” IMD said. People have been advised to avoid direct sun from 12 pm to 4 pm and drink plenty of water. Light rain may occur in some areas on April 27. (PC: HT)

Temperatures rose sharply across India on Saturday as the India Meteorological Department warned of heatwave conditions in many states. Maximum temperatures in several areas were between 40°C and 44°C. The highest, 44.5°C, was recorded in Sri Ganganagar. Heatwave alerts were issued for Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and parts of central India. People were advised to avoid direct sun, drink water and wear light clothes. Extra care was urged for children, elderly people and those with health problems.

A tsunami wave of 80 cm struck a port in northern Japan on Monday after a strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit offshore, Japan’s Meteorological Agency said. The wave was recorded at Kuji port in Iwate prefecture at 5:34 pm local time. Earlier, officials had reported a 70 cm wave and later a 40 cm wave at another port. Authorities warned that waves of up to 3 metres could reach some coastal areas. Tsunami warnings were issued for Iwate, Aomori and parts of Hokkaido. Residents were told to move to higher ground. Bullet train services were briefly stopped in Aomori. (PC: X)