Dharamshala, May 18 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla, on Sunday said that temperatures are likely to rise in Himachal Pradesh in the next few days. According to the weather office, the maximum temperatures are likely to increase gradually by 2-5 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state. The minimum temperatures are also expected to rise by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the same period. IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds (speed 30-40 kmph) in Chamba, Kangra and Kullu districts on May 19, 20 and 21. Dry weather is likely to prevail across Himachal on May 18. While higher reaches may witness light rainfall from May 19 to 23, the plains are expected to remain largely dry till May 22. During the last 24 hours, light to moderate rain was observed at isolated places over the state, with no major change in minimum and maximum temperatures. Sarhan received the highest rainfall at 18.5 mm, followed by Chamba AWS (2 mm) and trace rainfall in Manali, Palampur and Bhuntar. The state has so far received near-normal rainfall in May, with 37.3 mm of precipitation recorded against the normal average of 36.6 mm....