An IndiGo flight bound for Agartala was struck by lightning while parked at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport during a thunderstorm on Friday. The aircraft, operating as flight 6E6068, was stationed at aerobridge 56L when the incident occurred around 9.30 am amid severe weather conditions. Airport authorities had already issued weather alerts due to thunderstorms and heavy rain affecting Kolkata. No injuries were reported among the more than 140 passengers onboard. As a precaution, passengers were deboarded and later transported to Agartala on another aircraft. The flight, originally scheduled for 9.20 am departure, eventually left at 12.50 pm after operational adjustments. (PC: NDTV)

Heavy overnight monsoon rainfall disrupted life across North Bengal and South Bengal, inundating parts of Kolkata and triggering major traffic snarls. Multiple landslides in the Darjeeling hills cut connectivity along NH-110, while swollen rivers including the Teesta and Balason flowed near danger levels following intense rainfall in Bhutan and Sikkim. A temporary bridge over the Balason river collapsed, disrupting movement between Siliguri and Mirik. The IMD issued a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Meanwhile, India faces a 41% rainfall deficit between June 4 and June 18, with monsoon progress stalled over southern Maharashtra.

Parts of the UK are expected to experience heatwave conditions this weekend as temperatures rise across the country. The Met Office forecasts highs of up to 32°C on Sunday and possibly 33°C on Monday in southern and eastern England. Yellow heat health alerts are in place for London, the South East, East Midlands and East of England until Monday evening. Some areas could be hotter than Barbados. Forecasters said heatwave conditions may be officially declared in parts of southern England by the weekend. There is also a chance of thunderstorms and heavy showers in some regions later each day. (PC: Sky News)

India’s southwest monsoon has become increasingly uneven, with longer dry spells interrupting periods of heavy rainfall, according to recent weather analyses. While total seasonal rainfall may appear normal, satellite data shows rain is falling over shorter periods and fewer days, creating challenges for agriculture and water management.   Experts warn that the growing influence of climate change and the possible return of El Niño conditions could make rainfall patterns more erratic this year. Several regions have already reported below-normal rainfall despite the monsoon’s arrival. Scientists say longer dry gaps between rain events could affect crop sowing, groundwater recharge and overall farm productivity. (PC: HT)

India's southwest monsoon has entered a worrying pause, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting a nationwide rainfall deficit of 64% between June 4 and June 15. Satellite images from INSAT-3DS show a sharp decline in cloud cover over large parts of central and peninsular India, while major rain activity remains limited to the Himalayan region and the Northeast. Meteorologists say an unusual shift in upper-atmospheric winds is disrupting the normal monsoon circulation despite sufficient moisture over surrounding seas. Weather models, however, suggest rainfall activity could gradually improve later this week as atmospheric conditions become more favourable. (PC: India Today)

A powerful dust storm swept across Delhi-NCR on Monday, reducing visibility and disrupting normal life as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for thunderstorms, rain and strong winds. The weather department said wind speeds   reach up to 50-60 kmph in several parts of the region. Residents were advised to stay indoors during severe weather and avoid taking shelter under trees or weak structures. The sudden change in weather brought relief from the intense heat but also raised concerns over traffic disruptions and possible damage. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation.  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of eastern and northeastern India over the next week as the southwest monsoon advances further across the country.   According to the IMD, conditions are favourable for the monsoon to move into more parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh in the coming days.   While states such as Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim are likely to receive heavy rain, heatwave conditions may continue in parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha until midweek.   The IMD has also issued warnings for fishermen in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. (PC: PTI)

The arrival of El Nino has raised concerns over India's monsoon, as the weather phenomenon is often linked to lower rainfall, hotter temperatures and a higher risk of drought. However, scientists say another climate pattern, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), could reduce its impact.   A positive IOD develops when the western Indian Ocean becomes warmer than the eastern part, helping push more moisture towards the Indian subcontinent and increasing the chances of rainfall. In the past, including during the strong 1997 El Nino, a positive IOD helped support the monsoon.   Experts, however, say it is still too early to know whether a positive IOD will develop this year. The final outcome of the monsoon will depend on the balance between the strengthening El Nino and conditions in the Indian Ocean. (PC: India Today)

The UK could experience a second heatwave within weeks as temperatures are expected to rise sharply this weekend, according to the Met Office. Forecasters said parts of southern and southeastern England could see temperatures reach or exceed 30C.   The warm spell comes shortly after record-breaking heat in late May, when temperatures climbed above 35C in some areas. Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled with rain and showers until Friday before high pressure brings warmer and sunnier weather.   The Met Office said there is a possibility that heatwave conditions could return if the hot weather continues into next week. (PC: PA)

Strong dust storms swept across Delhi and the NCR on Tuesday evening, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts. The weather department forecast moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms in several parts of the national capital.   The IMD said a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to bring rainfall to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan between June 10 and 14. Thunder squalls with wind speeds of up to 60 kmph and lightning are also expected.   Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has advanced into North Bengal and the northeastern states, with heavy rainfall forecast in several districts till June 13.