Weather Tomorrow, July 17: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather update, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across several states on Friday, July 17, as the southwest monsoon remains active over large parts of the country. Odisha is expected to receive the most intense rainfall, while several states in east, central, north and northeast India are also under heavy rain alerts.ALSO READ: School Assembly News Headlines, July 17Apart from widespread showers, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in multiple regions. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR, Punjab and parts of south India are likely to continue experiencing hot and humid weather, despite chances of isolated rain.Here's a look at the latest IMD weather forecast and state-wise rain alerts.ALSO READ: How Warren Buffett's 'I made a mistake' remark helped Google co-founder Larry Page's net worth cross $300 billionIMD weather alert: States likely to receive heavy rain on July 17According to the IMD, Odisha is expected to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places.Heavy rainfall has also been forecast over:Arunachal PradeshAssamMeghalayaBiharChhattisgarhEast Uttar PradeshJharkhandNagalandManipurMizoramTripuraUttarakhandWest BengalSikkimThe weather department has warned that intense rainfall could trigger waterlogging, localised flooding, reduced visibility and traffic disruptions in vulnerable areas.Thunderstorms and lightning likely in several statesAlong with rain, the IMD has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds over several parts of the country.These conditions are likely over:Coastal Andhra PradeshTelanganaRayalaseemaKarnatakaBiharJharkhandGangetic West BengalMadhya PradeshJammu and KashmirLadakhGilgit-BaltistanMuzaffarabadAndaman and Nicobar IslandsWind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph, with gusts touching 60 kmph in some areas.Delhi-NCR weather forecastFor Delhi-NCR, the IMD has not issued any heavy rainfall warning for Friday.However, residents can expect:Isolated light rainCloudy skiesHot and humid conditions throughout the dayThe weather department has also said that hot and humid conditions are likely to continue over Delhi, Haryana and Punjab until July 18, even as scattered rain activity continues.North India weather forecastAcross north India, weather conditions will remain mixed.Uttarakhand is likely to receive heavy rainfall, with the alert extending over the next several days.Light to moderate rain is expected in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.Heavy rain is also likely over East Uttar Pradesh.Scattered showers are expected across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and West Uttar Pradesh.The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity across the Himalayan states is expected to increase further from July 18 onwards.East and Northeast India weather forecastThe monsoon is expected to remain most active across eastern and northeastern India.OdishaOdisha remains under the highest alert, with:Heavy to very heavy rainfallExtremely heavy rainfall at isolated placesPossibility of flooding in low-lying areasBihar, Jharkhand and West BengalHeavy rainfall is likely over:BiharJharkhandGangetic West BengalSub-Himalayan West Bengal and SikkimNortheast IndiaWidespread rain is expected across:Arunachal PradeshAssamMeghalayaNagalandManipurMizoramTripuraSeveral of these states are also likely to witness very heavy rainfall over the next few days.Orange alert for Himachal PradeshThe IMD on Thursday issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in five districts of Himachal Pradesh from July 19 to 22, warning of landslides, flash floods and waterlogging. The orange alert has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts as a fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from July 19, the Met office said. It predicted a wet spell in Himachal Pradesh till July 22 and advised people to follow weather alerts and traffic advisories and avoid going to vulnerable areas and water bodies.Central India weather forecastThe IMD has forecast active monsoon conditions over central India.Heavy rainfall is likely over:ChhattisgarhEast Madhya PradeshVidarbhaMeanwhile, Madhya Pradesh may witness thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph.West India weather forecastRainfall activity is expected to continue over western India.Forecast includes:Widespread rainfall over Konkan and GoaScattered rain over GujaratMadhya MaharashtraMarathwadaSaurashtra and KutchHeavy rainfall is also likely over parts of Konkan, Goa and Madhya Maharashtra.South India weather forecastSeveral southern states are expected to receive rain over the coming days.Rain has been forecast over:Coastal Andhra PradeshTelanganaKarnatakaKeralaTamil NaduPuducherryKaraikalRayalaseemaThunderstorms with gusty winds are likely across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.Heatwave and hot weather warningWhile monsoon showers continue in many regions, the IMD has also warned of heatwave and hot, humid conditions in parts of the country.Heatwave conditions likely over:Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam (July 16)Rayalaseema (July 16)Tamil NaduPuducherryKaraikal (July 16-17)Hot and humid conditions expected over:Delhi-NCRHaryanaPunjabEast Uttar PradeshWest Uttar PradeshTelanganaTamil NaduCoastal Andhra PradeshRayalaseemaIMD says active monsoon to continueAccording to the India Meteorological Department, active monsoon conditions are likely to continue across east, central and northeast India over the next three to four days.The weather department has advised residents in districts under heavy rainfall warnings to remain cautious as localised flooding, waterlogging, overflowing drains, reduced visibility and traffic disruptions are possible, especially in low-lying and vulnerable areas.People are also advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid waterlogged roads where possible, and follow updates issued by local authorities as weather conditions may change rapidly.