India, June 12 -- A western disturbance has brought thunderstorms, hail and strong winds to north India, offering temporary relief from intense heat.

The IMD has issued alerts after gusty winds of up to 120km/h disrupted normal life in parts of Delhi-NCR.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across the Northeast, including Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh, raising the risk of floods and landslides.

The southwest monsoon has strengthened over southern India, with Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu seeing widespread heavy rainfall.

The monsoon has also advanced into parts of Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand, raising hopes for the kharif sowing season.

Heatwave conditions persist in isolated pockets, including parts of Rajasthan...