Two women were killed in separate lightning strike incidents as rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds lashed several districts of Karnataka since Tuesday night.
The sudden weather change brought relief from intense heat in some regions, but also caused tragic loss of life and property damage.
Two killed in separate districts
Akshatha, 18, a resident of Hale Jogikallu in Sandur taluk of Ballari district, died after being struck by lightning on Wednesday evening.
In another incident, Durgumma Sabayya, 40, was killed at Yarajanti village near Hatti Gold Mines while covering heaps of fodder with a tarpaulin sheet.
Rain brings damage in coastal region
Mangaluru and parts of Dakshina Kannada district received thundershowers during the early hours of Wednesday.
Five cars parked near Ayyappa Swamy Temple were damaged after a compound wall collapsed.
In Chammara Galli on Ratha Beedi, two houses suffered roof damage after a large peepal tree fell on them. All six occupants escaped unhurt.
Two more houses were reportedly damaged in Ullala taluk.
Heat continues in north Karnataka
Despite scattered rain, several Kalyana Karnataka districts continued to experience severe heat.
Koppal recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 42.4°C, followed by Kalaburagi at 40.2°C.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru and several southern districts remained below 37°C.
Safety warning during storms
Authorities often advise people to avoid open fields, trees and metal objects during thunderstorms, and seek shelter immediately when lightning is active