The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains, isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms across the country from September 12 to 17.
According to the Met Office, monsoon currents are penetrating the upper parts of Pakistan. A westerly wave is expected to enter the upper regions during the weekend and strengthen on September 14.
Under these weather conditions, rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from September 12 to 17.
In Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang and Attock, similar weather is likely during the same period. Other parts of Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan, are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms from the evening/night of September 14 to 17.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to experience rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms, from September 12 to 17, while Gilgit-Baltistan may receive moderate to isolated heavy rainfall during the period.
In Sindh, mainly hot and humid conditions are expected, with rain and thunderstorms likely in several districts, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Thatta, Badin and Karachi, from September 13 to 16.
Balochistan is expected to remain mostly hot and humid, although Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel may receive rain and thunderstorms from September 13 to 16.
The Met Office warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Lahore between September 14 and 17.
Flash floods may occur in local streams and nullahs in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Landslides are also possible in hilly areas. Temperatures are expected to fall during the forecast period.
The authorities have been advised to remain alert and take precautionary measures, while tourists and travellers have been urged to exercise caution. Farmers have also been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the prevailing weather conditions.
