New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a weather alert for several parts of the country, warning that Monday could witness one of the most intense phases of the ongoing monsoon, with torrential rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds expected across multiple states.

According to the latest IMD forecast, the next 14 hours are likely to be particularly crucial as weather conditions are expected to worsen in several regions.

Wind speeds may touch up to 80 kmph in isolated areas, increasing the possibility of uprooted trees, power outages, traffic disruptions and waterlogging in vulnerable locations.

The weather office has advised residents, travellers and farmers to remain cautious, especially in riverine and coastal areas.

People in hilly regions have also been warned about the possibility of landslides and a sudden rise in river water levels due to persistent rainfall.

The IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand throughout the week.

Rainfall activity is also expected to strengthen over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan from Monday, with several areas likely to receive heavy to very heavy showers over the coming days.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds have also been forecast in parts of Rajasthan and Uttarakhand, prompting authorities to advise people to avoid open spaces during adverse weather conditions.

Eastern India is also expected to remain under the influence of an active monsoon. Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Jharkhand and Bihar are likely to receive widespread rainfall in the coming days.

Among these states, Odisha is expected to witness the most intense spell, with heavy to very heavy rainfall and isolated pockets likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 27.

Jharkhand is also likely to receive heavy showers, while rainfall activity is expected to increase across Bihar during the week.

The IMD has urged state administrations to stay prepared and appealed to the public to closely follow official weather advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall, and exercise caution in areas vulnerable to flooding, waterlogging and landslides.