Dharamshala, July 15 -- While light showers are likely to continue in Himachal Pradesh in the coming days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in parts of the state from July 18 to 20. The weather office has sounded a yellow alert of heavy rainfall on July 18 in Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts. A similar alert has also been issued for July 19 and 20 in several parts of the state. According to IMD, light to moderate rain is likely at most places in the state with heavy rain likely at isolated places on July 18, 19 and 20. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are likely at isolated places over many parts of the state during the same time, the agency predicted. Also, sustained wind speeds of 30-40 kmph are likely to prevail in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts during this period. Light to moderate rain is likely at many places in the state on July 17. Light rain is expected at isolated places in the state on the remaining days of the week. MeT department officials on Tuesday said that maximum temperatures are likely to rise gradually by 2-4 degrees over many parts of the state during the next 2-3 days, thereafter, they are expected to fall by 2-5 degrees following the heavy weather activity. Light to moderate rain at isolated places was observed over the state during the past 24 hours. The highest rainfall of 17.4 mm was recorded in Pandoh, followed by Jogindernagar (3 mm), Solan (3 mm), Neri AWS (0.5 mm), Kahu (0.4 mm). Trace rainfall was reported in Jubberhatti and Bhabhanagar. On Tuesday, maximum temperatures remained normal in the state. Una remained the hottest, recording a maximum temperature of 36.2 degreesCelsius. It was followed by maximum temperatures of 34.9 degrees in Neri and 34.4 degrees in Mandi. The maximum temperature in Shimla was recorded at 26 degrees Celsius, while it was 31 degrees Celsius in Dharamshala and 26.6 in Manali. In Chamba and Bhuntar, the maximum temperatures stood at 30 and 33.6 degrees Celsius respectively. Due to monsoon season, paragliding activities will remain suspended in Kangra district, which includes Bir-Billing, from July 15 to September 15, to avoid any untoward incident. Tourism department officials said the suspension is imposed every year for two months (during monsoon season) and is also part of rules. "There will be a complete ban on river rafting as well during this time. Moreover, all trekking activities will be regulated," a tourism department official said....