Shillong, Oct 22: Widespread rainfall is likely to impact the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations in Meghalaya.  The weathermen have predicted heavy showers followed by thunderstorms likely during Durga Puja celebrations which will mar the spirit of festivity.

The rainfall resulted in the decline of the temperatures. A red-color coded weather alert has been issued for four districts of the state for Friday as the Metrological Department predicts heavy downpour.

The Meteorological Department has sounded a red-color coded weather alert for South West Khasi Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Jaintia Hills for Friday.

However, in South Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills, and Ri Bhoi, for Friday Orange alert is sounded.

The reason for the heavy downpour according to IMD is because of the well-marked low-pressure area over the west-central Bay of Bengal and the neighbourhood which has concentrated into a depression over northwest and adjoining the west-central Bay of Bengal.

Under the influence of these weather systems, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls have been predicted over the state from Thursday to Saturday.