Met office forecasts extended spell of rain, thundershowers across upper, central parts

• Met Office predicts rain, thundershowers from Aug 17-21.
• Heavy rainfall can lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas.
• Weather expected to remain mainly hot in Sindh.
  

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast an extended spell of rain, wind and thundershowers over the upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21, with occasional breaks.

According to officials, monsoon currents are currently penetrating the northern regions of the country and are likely to persist over the coming days.

While a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan from August 17, and the combination of these two weather systems is expected to bring widespread precipitation to much of the country.

In Kashmir, scattered rain accompanied by wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, is expected across Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, beginning on the evening of August 16 and continuing through August 21 with intermittent gaps.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to see significant rainfall, with rain-wind and thundershower activity, including isolated heavy falls, forecast for Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar and Mardan from August 17 through August 21.

The southern districts of the province, including Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan, are expected to receive rain somewhat later, on August 20 and 21.

Islamabad and the upper parts of Punjab will not be spared either, with rain, wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal, starting from the evening of August 16 and lasting until August 21.

Meanwhile, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and D.G. Khan are expected to receive rainfall on August 20 and 21.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain, wind and thundershower activity is forecast for Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from August 18 to 21, again with occasional gaps.

As for Sindh and Balochistan, the weather is expected to remain mainly hot and humid across most areas. However, the districts of Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar are likely to experience rain, wind and thundershower activity from the evening of August 17 through August 20.

The Met Office has cautioned that heavy rainfall during this period could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore between August 17 and 20. There is also a risk of landslides in the hilly and mountainous terrain of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir throughout the forecast period.

The authorities have advised tourists and travellers heading to these regions to remain cautious given the unsettled weather. Farmers have similarly been urged to plan their crop-related activities in light of the forecast and to take appropriate care of their livestock during this time.

The Met Office has urged all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation while the weather system remains active.