Shimla, May 19 (Reporter) Himachal Pradesh experienced contrasting weather conditions on Sunday, with sweltering heat sweeping across the foothills while light-to-moderate rainfall brought much-needed respite to the mid and higher reaches. The highest maximum temperature was recorded in Una at a scorching 41°C, while the lowest minimum temperature dropped to 3.5°C at Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti district, indicating a sharp variation across the state. Scattered rainfall occurred across parts of the state. The heaviest showers were reported in Mandi with 16.4 mm of rain, followed by Jot in Chamba with 15.8 mm, Kukumseri in Lahaul-Spiti with 13.2 mm, and Kangra with 12.4 mm. Other areas including Bharmour (12.0 mm), Pandoh (10.0 mm), Karsog (9.1 mm), Rampur (8.8 mm), Jogindernagar (8.0 mm), Palampur (7.4 mm), Seobagh (7.2 mm), and Gohar (7.0 mm) also received rainfall. Gusty winds lashed several parts of the state, peaking at 54 kmph in Reckong Peo. Winds were also strong in Hamirpur-Neri (52 kmph), Tabo and Bilaspur (50 kmph each), Kufri and Sundernagar (43 kmph each), Bilaspur-KVK (41 kmph), and Hamirpur (37 kmph). Thunderstorms were reported from Kangra, Palampur, Jot, Bhuntar, Kalpa, Mandi, and Sundernagar, while hailstorms were observed in Kangra and Jot. Minimum temperatures showed significant variation across the region. Shimla recorded 16.6°C, Sundernagar 19.2°C, Bhuntar 18.0°C, Kalpa 10.8°C, Dharamshala 12.6°C, Una 21.6°C, Nahan 17.9°C, Palampur 16.4°C, Solan 19.6°C, Manali 12.7°C, Kangra 17.5°C, Mandi 17.1°C, Bilaspur 22.1°C, Hamirpur 21.5°C, Chamba 17.7°C, and Jubberhatti 20.2°C. The Meteorological Department has predicted rain and thunderstorms at isolated places over the next 24 hours. A heatwave warning remains in effect for the foothills and plains, where temperatures are expected to remain above normal. Despite the harsh conditions in lower areas, partly cloudy skies and intermittent summer showers have kept the weather pleasant and refreshing in tourist destinations, offering relief to locals and visitors alike...////...