Patiala, May 4 -- Punjab is set to witness a spell of intense summer storms over the next 48 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert warning of thunderstorms, dust storms, hail and gusty winds across the state.

According to IMD, a Western Disturbance, coupled with surface easterlies, is likely to trigger widespread thunderstorm activity till May 5, impacting large parts of north India, including Punjab.

The department has cautioned that gusty winds reaching 50-60 km per hour, lightning and hailstorms are likely at isolated places.

Orange is the second highest of the four colour warning system used by IMD, asking people to remain prepared.

The weather department has advised residents against going ...