Shimla, June 26 -- Monsoon activity is expected to intensify across Himachal Pradesh over the coming days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and isolated heavy showers across several districts until early next week.

The IMD's Meteorological Centre in Shimla, in its weather bulletin issued on Friday, said atmospheric conditions have become favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon over the state during the next three to four days. Although only isolated light to moderate rainfall was recorded across Himachal during the past 24 hours, precipitation is expected to increase significantly.

Adding to the changing weather pattern, the hill town of Shimla received fre...