Guwahati : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rain and thunderstorms across several parts of Assam over the next five days, warning that isolated heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds may lead to localised flooding, power disruptions and travel delays.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre Guwahati, rainfall activity is likely to increase across the state between March 12 and 17 due to the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over central Assam and associated trough systems.

Weather observations over the past 24 hours indicated largely dry conditions across the state, although light rainfall was recorded at a few locations. Silchar received 4.3 mm of rain, followed by 3.0 mm in Rangia, 2.4 mm in Jorhat and 1.8 mm each in Guwahati and North Lakhimpur.

Day temperatures across Assam ranged between 31°C and 33.4°C, slightly above normal, while night temperatures hovered between 18°C and 22°C, also above the seasonal average.

The IMD said moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at many places in the state, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. At isolated locations, heavy rainfall is also expected.

Rainfall activity is expected to intensify in the coming days, with precipitation likely at most places across the state. During this period, wind speeds may increase to 40-50 kmph at some locations.

Similar weather conditions are likely to persist through the middle of next week, with moderate rain and thunderstorms continuing across several parts of the state. Winds of 30-40 kmph may accompany the storms and isolated heavy rainfall is expected in some areas.

Toward the latter part of the forecast period, rainfall activity may ease slightly, though thunderstorms accompanied by lightning could still occur at isolated locations.

District-level analysis indicates stronger rainfall activity across western and central parts of the state, including Kamrup Metropolitan district, Kamrup district, Nagaon, Barpeta and Goalpara, where fairly widespread rain is expected initially before gradually reducing to isolated showers by around March 18.

In contrast, northeastern and southern districts such as Dibrugarh, Cachar and Jorhat are likely to witness scattered to isolated rainfall events.

The IMD has also forecast a drop in maximum temperatures by about 3-4°C in the coming days before stabilising later in the week. Meteorologists have advised farmers, commuters and outdoor workers to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning and to stay updated with weather bulletins issued by the RMC.