Weather agency warns of heavy rain and thunderstorms in several provinces

What happened: Heavy rain and thunderstorms were reported early today in parts of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Lorestan, Hamedan, Markazi, Qom, Tehran and Gilan, and weather authorities issued warnings as the storm system was expected to intensify. Attribution and details: The Meteorological Organization (reported by Akharin Khabar and Didban-e Iran) issued an orange-level warning for north Khuzestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Lorestan and Ilam because of forecasted strengthening of the system. Forecast: Increased cloudiness, showers and thunderstorms were also predicted for the central Alborz highlands. Temperatures: Minimum temperatures were reported early today as 1°C in Shahr-e Kord and 4°C in Hamedan. Safety advice: Authorities urged residents to avoid traveling to or camping on riverbanks and dry riverbeds (masil).