Shimla, July 12 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Meteorological Centre Shimla, has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds likely to affect several districts over the next 24 hours.

According to the IMD, isolated heavy rainfall is very likely in parts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts, while light to moderate rain is expected at many places across the low hills, plains and mid-hill regions of the state. Light rainfall is also likely at isolated locations in the higher reaches.

The weather office said thunderstorm and lightning activity accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph is expected at isolated places across the state. In...