The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated an early push of the southwest monsoon, with conditions turning favourable for its advance over parts of the south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Nicobar Islands during the next four to five days. The development comes amid widespread weather activity across the country, triggered by multiple cyclonic circulations, troughs and an approaching Western Disturbance, bringing a mix of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds and heatwave conditions. Heavy rainfall alert across southern states According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over parts of South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe and south Interior Karnataka over the next few days. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are also expected across several regions, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh and parts of peninsular India. Northeast India braces for intense rainfall The Northeast is likely to remain under the influence of intense rainfall activity, with Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh expected to receive heavy to very heavy showers till May 18. Similar …