Patiala, July 6 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Punjab and Haryana over the next 48 hours as monsoon activity is highly likely to intensify.

Issuing an orange alert for Punjab and a yellow alert for Haryana, IMD warned that heavy downpour might cause flooding in rivulets, rivers and other water bodies, along with waterlogging in low-lying areas.

IMD also said heavy rainfall might damage vulnerable buildings, while cautioning against venturing near such structures, water bodies and waterlogged areas. During a thunderstorm, shelter should be taken, while avoiding trees.

"Very heavy rain (120 mm or more) is likely at isolated places on July 6 and 7 over parts of Pathankot, Gurd...