New Delhi, March 21 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a nationwide weather alert, forecasting widespread thunderstorms, rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds across multiple regions over the coming days.

In its latest weather bulletin, the agency indicated intensified weather activity in eastern, central, and northeastern parts of the country, with warnings of heavy rain, thundersqualls, and hailstorms.

According to the IMD, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are likely to witness widespread rainfall between March 21 and 24, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall on March 21. Thundersqualls with wind speeds reaching up to 80 kmph are expected in parts of Gangetic West Bengal, while Odisha may experienc...