A powerful Western Disturbance has put North and Central India on alert for severe rain and hail. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi-NCR. A 1,000-km cloud band is covering the region. Officials said a “massive, moisture-laden system” is driving this change. Strong winds up to 70 kmph are expected between 2 PM and 11 PM. Rain and hail are likely later in the day. Areas at risk include Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Scientists said warm and cold air mixing formed storm clouds. The weather may damage crops and disrupt normal life in several regions today. (PC: Reuters)

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on April 3, sending noticeable tremors across Delhi-NCR and parts of north India. The quake occurred at a depth of around 150 km, reducing the intensity of surface damage despite its strength. Residents in Delhi, Noida, and nearby areas reported shaking buildings, moving fans, and panic, with many rushing outdoors. Authorities confirmed the epicentre in Afghanistan, a seismically active zone due to tectonic plate interactions. While tremors were widely felt, there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage in India, though monitoring continues. (PC: AFP)

Met Office has issued a yellow warning for very strong winds across parts of the UK. Gusts could reach up to 90mph in some areas. The warning is in place from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon. Scotland, Northern Ireland, North Wales, and parts of northern England will be affected. Officials said travel delays are likely on roads, rail, and flights. There is also a risk of power cuts and service disruptions. High-sided vehicles may face problems on exposed routes. Authorities have asked people to stay alert and plan journeys carefully during the Easter weekend. (PC: PA)

The India Meteorological Department said Delhi will see more rain this week. Light rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in the city. Skies may remain cloudy till April 6. Day temperatures may rise slightly in the next few days. Parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan may also see rain and strong winds. Weather may become more active from April 3 due to a western disturbance. Hill states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand may get rain or snow. Eastern states, including Bihar and West Bengal, may also see light to moderate rainfall in the coming days. (PC: HT)

A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck near Neiafu in Tonga on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The quake hit at a depth of about 237 km and was located 153 km west of Neiafu.   There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat as the quake was too deep.   The tremor came a day after a 6.2 magnitude quake hit Tonga’s Hihifo region.   Separately, Nepal recorded a 4.1 magnitude earthquake on Monday, with no reports of damage or loss of life. (PC: HT)

The United Nations has warned that Earth’s climate is more unstable than ever. The World Meteorological Organization said the planet is trapping more heat than it releases. “Every indicator is flashing red,” UN chief António Guterres said. Rising greenhouse gases have heated oceans and melted ice caps. The last 11 years have been the warmest on record. In 2025, global temperatures were 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels. Scientists fear a new El Niño phase may bring even higher temperatures. Most excess heat is absorbed by oceans, harming marine life and raising sea levels. Experts urge urgent action. (PC: Getty Images)

Delhi-NCR saw dense fog and cloud cover early Saturday, a day after recording its coldest March day in six years. At 7.20 am, the Safdarjung observatory reported 14°C with 100 per cent humidity. No weather alert has been issued for the day. The India Meteorological Department said recent rain was caused by an active western disturbance. It brought thunderstorms and gusty winds across Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh. The rainfall also improved air quality. AQI stood at 93, in the “satisfactory” range. Officials said this was the first such reading in about five months.

A rare western disturbance is affecting North India with an unusual straight rain band stretching nearly 1,000 km across Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Such systems usually form curved troughs, but this one has a straight low-pressure line. Experts say this shape can lead to strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds. Several regions are already seeing these conditions. The system has also brought relief from early heat. Temperatures in cities like Delhi have dropped by 3 to 7 degrees. The India Meteorological Department said “moderate to heavy rainfall with lightning and gusty winds” will continue till March 20. (PC: India Today)

Heavy rain and a sudden hailstorm damaged several houses and crops in parts of Manipur on Sunday. The storm began late Saturday night and affected districts such as Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal. Farmers reported that standing crops like cabbage, peas, and beans were destroyed. Many houses in Moirang Phiwangbam and Thanga-Ngaram near Loktak Lake were also damaged. In some areas, large hail covered roads and fields. Power supply was disrupted in several places. No human casualties were reported. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh directed officials to provide relief and help affected families. Authorities advised people to stay indoors during heavy rain and prepare emergency supplies.

A strong earthquake measuring 6.1 magnitude struck near Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Tuesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The tremor occurred in waters close to the island. Sumatra lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity.   There were no immediate reports of deaths or major damage. Authorities are checking the affected areas and monitoring the situation. Indonesia often experiences earthquakes because several tectonic plates meet in this region. Further details are awaited as officials continue their assessment.