New Delhi, April 4 -- The India Meteorological Department on Saturday issued an orange warning across several states, forecasting widespread hailstorms, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty to squally winds reaching speeds of 60-70 kmph.

The warning covers Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, East Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, East Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. According to the IMD, these regions are likely to witness intense weather activity, including hailstorms and strong winds, over the next 24 hours.

An orange alert has also been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, with forecasts of isolated heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. In the southern peninsular region, hea...