Shimla, June 4 -- Heavy rain accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature in Shimla and the surrounding areas on Thursday, provided relief from summer heat and delighted hundreds of tourists visiting the hill stattion from the northern plains.

While the rain briefly disrupted normal life and slowed traffic movement in parts of the town, the sudden change in weather transformed the capital into a picturesque destination, with mist-covered hills, cool winds and rain-soaked landscapes drawing enthusiastic reactions from visitors.

The weather change comes amid an India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated rainfall across Himachal Pradesh under the influence of an active western disturb...