Fairly widespread rainfall occurred over north, east and central parts of the country and the MET department predicts the monsoon activity to intensify in these areas. In Uttar Pradesh water in major rivers remained on the rise while five more villages were inundated in Punjab. The flood situation showed signs of improvement in Haryana. The rains also brought the mercury down at these places with Chandigarh recording a high of 33.9 degrees, one degree below normal.<br/><br/>However the weather remained largely dry in Rajasthan with the state receiving only isolated rainfall at some places. The temperatures varied between 35 and 40 degrees in the state. The mercury levels are on rise in Himachal Pradesh with no rains in the past 24 hours. The state capital recorded a high of 26.1 degree, four notches above normal. Rains also evaded the national capital and the mercury touched high of 36.8 degrees.<br/><br/>According to the MET department widespread rains are expected to continue over east Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and parts of west Bengal and Sikkim. Orissa, west Madhya Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar islands and north eastern states will also witness heavy monsoon showers. The weatherman warn of isolated heavy rainfall in Assam, Meghalaya, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand in the next 48 hours.