India, April 2 -- Already reeling from crop damage caused by recent hailstorms, Punjab farmers are staring at more losses as a fresh western disturbance is set to impact the state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued an orange alert for April 3 and 4, warning of rain, thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and hailstorms across Punjab. The alert comes at a crucial juncture, with wheat crop ready for harvest and government procurement operations already underway in several grain markets.

According to the IMD, the prevailing weather conditions are being driven by two active western disturbances currently affecting the region, with a fresh system likely to influence northwest India from April 2, intensifying the on...