The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall across large parts of the country on Wednesday, July 8, 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.Southwest monsoon likely to cover the entire country soonThe IMD said the southwest monsoon advanced further on July 7, covering the remaining parts of Gujarat and extending into more areas of Rajasthan, Haryana and the north Arabian Sea.Weather conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to advance into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the north Arabian Sea over the next two to three days, completing its coverage of the entire country.IMD weather forecast for July 8: Which states will receive heavy rain?Heavy rainfall is expected to continue over several regions on Wednesday under the influence of a well-marked low-pressure area over Madhya Pradesh and other active weather systems.According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over:Himachal Pradesh and UttarakhandEast RajasthanEast Uttar PradeshBiharSub-Himalayan West Bengal and SikkimGujarat RegionKonkan and GoaMadhya MaharashtraCoastal KarnatakaSouth Interior KarnatakaKeralaNorth Interior KarnatakaArunachal PradeshAssam and MeghalayaNagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and TripuraAmong these, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim may receive extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on July 8.Thunderstorms and strong winds likely in several statesApart from heavy rain, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are expected across many parts of the country.Wind speeds of 40 to 60 kmph are likely over parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Karnataka.Some coastal and southern regions may also witness stronger squalls with wind speeds reaching 70 kmph, especially along parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.Low-pressure area continues to influence weatherThe depression that affected central India has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area over eastern Madhya Pradesh.The IMD said the system is expected to move slowly towards the west-northwest across Madhya Pradesh before weakening further over the next 24 hours. Despite weakening, it will continue to draw moisture into central and northern India, sustaining widespread rainfall.Northwest India to remain wetThe IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh during the coming days.Heavy rainfall is likely in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh, while isolated heavy showers are also expected over Rajasthan.Residents in these areas have been advised to remain alert for waterlogging, reduced visibility, landslides in hilly regions and possible traffic disruptions.Monsoon remains active across west and south IndiaKonkan and Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka are expected to continue receiving active monsoon rainfall.Heavy showers may lead to localised flooding in low-lying areas, while strong winds could affect travel and outdoor activities in coastal districts.IMD advises people to stay cautiousThe weather department has advised residents in affected states to remain updated with local forecasts and follow instructions issued by state authorities. People living in flood-prone or landslide-prone areas should exercise extra caution, while travellers are advised to check weather conditions before beginning their journeys.