Punjab, India, is bracing for a significant weather event as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the next 48 hours. This alert warns of thunderstorms, dust storms, hail, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h. The storms are attributed to a Western Disturbance and surface easterlies, which are expected to affect large parts of north India, including Punjab, until May 5. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid seeking shelter under trees or near electricity poles during thunderstorms. Forecasts indicate light to moderate rainfall across many areas on May 4 and 5, particularly in districts like Ludhiana, Patiala, and Sangrur. Recent weather changes have already caused a drop in the average maximum temperature by 3.4 degrees, providing some relief from the heat, with Gurdaspur recording the coolest temperature at 28.5°C. The IMD has noted that the minimum temperature in Chandigarh fell to 17.1°C, the lowest recorded for May since 1974.