Guwahati, June 3 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across Assam over the next seven days, with heavy rain and lightning likely to affect several districts from June 5 onwards, officials said.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati, scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected in most parts of the state beginning Wednesday, while more intense weather activity is likely between June 5 and June 8.

The Met department said districts in western, central, northern, and southern Assam could witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and isolated heavy rainfall during the period.

Officials said western Assam districts, including Dhubri, South Salmara-Mankachar, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Barpeta, and Bongaigaon, are likely to experience thunderstorms with lightning and isolated heavy rain from June 5.

Similar weather conditions have also been forecast for parts of Kamrup, Nalbari, and adjoining areas.

The Met department further stated that central Assam districts such as Darrang, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Golaghat, and Karbi Anglong may witness thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall during the next few days. Hot, humid weather is also likely to persist in some districts before rainfall activity intensifies.

In upper Assam, districts including Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Charaideo are expected to receive fairly widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Officials said isolated heavy showers are likely, particularly between June 5 and June 7.

The IMD also issued warnings for southern Assam districts, including Cachar, Hailakandi, Sribhumi, and Dima Hasao, where thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rainfall are likely at isolated locations during the forecast period.

Officials advised people to remain alert during thunderstorms and to avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during lightning. Residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas have also been asked to closely monitor local weather updates, as heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging in some areas.

The weather office said the warnings issued for each day would remain valid from 8:30 a.m. on that day until 8:30 a.m. the following day.

–IANS

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