Patiala, March 20 -- The India meteorological department (IMD) on Thursday issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated hailstorms across several parts of Punjab, triggering anxiety among farmers over potential damage to the standing wheat crop, which is at a crucial stage of maturity.

According to the IMD's daily weather forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph, along with hail at isolated places, are likely over Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa and Bathinda over the next 24-48 hours, as the wheat harvesting season approaches.

Farmers expressed concern over the impact of hail and strong winds. "The crop is almost ready. Even a short spell of hailstorm can cause irr...