New Delhi, July 8 -- The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall across large parts of the country on Wednesday as the southwest monsoon continues to strengthen.

Heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are expected in several states, while the monsoon is likely to cover the remaining parts of northwest India over the next few days.

The Met Department has issued yellow and orange alerts for rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Uttar Pradesh during the coming days.

Konkan and Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka are also expected to continue receiving active monsoon rainfall.

Heavy showers may lead to localised flooding in low-lyi...