40 more killed in thunderstorms across UP, Bihar, Jharkhand

Lightning injured as many as 28 people in Jharkhand, and killed nine in UP in areas including Unnao, Rae Bareli and Kanpur.

In Jharkhand, high-speed winds and heavy rains uprooted trees and electricity poles, killing 12.

The IMD has said heavy rains and gusty winds are expected to lash parts of UP. In Bihar, wind speeds are likely to touch 50-70 kmph.

Rescue work is underway in UP, confirmed the CM's Principal Secretary, Information, Avinish Awasthi. All district magistrates have been directed to ensure distribution of relief within 24 hours.

In Bihar, CM Nitish Kumar has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 4L to the kin of those who were killed.

The administration is trying to complete the process today itself, reports claimed.

These developments come even as the southwest-monsoon arrived in Kerala three days before schedule, bringing cheer to agriculturists.

The weather department has predicted good rainfall this year unlike 2017, when over 60% of the country couldn't gain from adequate rainfall.

"Rainfall was witnessed in many parts of (Kerala) and Lakshadweep. Conditions are conducive for further advancement of clouds," said IMD Regional Director K Santosh.

In contrast, Delhi has been reeling under heat wave, as temperature at Safdarjung rose to 43.5 degrees Celsius yesterday, three degrees above normal.

But relief is likely soon. "There are chances of a dust storm or thunderstorm Tuesday," said RK Jenamani, MET department head, IGI Airport, but it will hit only in the late afternoon or evening.

Rain and thundershowers are likely tomorrow too.