New Delhi, July 3 -- The southwest monsoon advanced further across India on Friday, covering more parts of Gujarat, the remaining areas of Madhya Pradesh, as favourable conditions continued to support its progress.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to advance into more parts of the North Arabian Sea, Gujarat, the remaining areas of Haryana and Punjab, and additional parts of Rajasthan over the next four to five days.

A low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to keep the monsoon active across central India over the next four to five days, triggering widespread rainfall and raising the likelihood of heavy to extremely heavy showers in several states.

The IMD...