Panchkula, July 1 -- After weeks of scorching temperatures and prolonged dry weather, residents of Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh are likely to get significant relief as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast favourable conditions for the further advance of the Southwest Monsoon into parts of the region over the next three to four days.

The weather department has also predicted a marked increase in rainfall activity from July 2 to July 6, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

According to a Special Weather Bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre, Chandigarh, on Tuesday evening, the Southwest Monsoon has already advanced into additional parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pr...