The India Meteorological Department has issued heavy rain and thunderstorm warnings for several Indian states as monsoon activity increases across the country.

According to the latest IMD forecast, states including Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, and parts of Northeast India may experience heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong winds over the next few days.

The weather department also warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 70 km/h in some regions, especially across eastern and southern India.

Reports said heavy rain activity is likely to increase in Kerala as the southwest monsoon advances further into the region.

Several northeastern states including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, and Manipur are also under rain and thunderstorm alerts issued by the IMD.

Meanwhile, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh continue to face heatwave conditions, but weather experts expect rain and thunderstorms to bring some relief later this week.

The IMD advised residents to stay indoors during lightning activity and avoid unnecessary travel in areas facing severe weather conditions.

Authorities are also monitoring possible disruptions in road, rail, and flight operations due to heavy rainfall and strong winds in several regions.

Weather experts believe the changing conditions are linked to active monsoon systems and western disturbances affecting different parts of India simultaneously.