India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that several towns of Northern India including Aligarh, Meerut, Panipat, Alwar, Rohtak and their adjoining areas would be hit by thunderstorms and rains before noon. Media reports said

Over the past week, thunderstorms and dust storms have wreaked havoc across northern and eastern parts of the country. Reports suggest that the number of casualties could be anywhere between 80 and 100. Experts have opined that the freak weather phenomenon is due to a western disturbance that originates in the Mediterranean Sea and brings rainfall to northwestern India.