Shimla, May 29(Reporter) The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast a spell of pre-monsoon showers across Himachal Pradesh starting May 31, which is likely to continue till the first week of June. This shift in weather is attributed to a cyclonic circulation over Jammu and Kashmir and upper-level disturbances extending over Punjab and Rajasthan. As a result, the state is expected to receive light to moderate rainfall at many places, with isolated heavy spells in some districts. This forecast is seen as a boon for Kharif sowing activities, which have been preponed by farmers owing to favourable water discharge in irrigation channels and timely moisture availability. During the past 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on May 29, several parts of Himachal Pradesh recorded varying intensities of rain. Palampur received the highest rainfall of 32 mm, followed by Pachhad at 14 mm. Kataula and Sujanpur Tihra reported 13 mm each, while Bijahi and Nahan recorded 11 mm. Moderate showers of 7 mm were recorded in Gaggal and Paonta Sahib. Light rainfall of 3 mm was observed in Shimla, Dharamshala, Jubberhatti, Jaton Barrage, and Sunni. Other locations like Kufri, Baijnath, Seobagh, Bhuntar, and Kandaghat received 2 mm each. No snowfall was reported during this period. The highest maximum temperature was recorded in Una at 40.6 degrees Celsius, while Tabo registered the lowest minimum at 6 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorm activity was reported in Shimla, Sundernagar, Kangra, and Palampur, while hailstorms struck Shimla, Palampur, and Jubberhatti. Gusty winds swept through Reckong Peo at 68 kmph, Tabo at 54 kmph, Kufri at 50 kmph, and Shimla (CPRI) at 48 kmph, causing localised disruptions and minor damage to crops. While the early rain spells are aiding Kharif season preparations, horticulturalists remain concerned about windstorms damaging pome and stone fruits. The prolonged low temperatures in summer and unusually warm winters have disrupted the growth cycle of Rabi crops and increased their vulnerability to pests, raising the demand for pesticides. Nevertheless, the cool weather has led to a rise in tourist footfall in popular hill stations like Shimla, Kufri, and Manali, offering respite from the scorching heat of the northern plains and boosting the local economy amid climatic uncertainties...////...