Monsoon likely to set in during first week of July: PMD issues countrywide rain forecast

ISLAMABAD, Jun 29 (APP): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Monday forecast the onset of monsoon rains during the first week of July with widespread rain, windstorms and thunderstorms expected across most parts of the country under the influence of a westerly wave and strong moisture inflows from the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal.

According to the Met Office, the westerly wave is likely to enter the upper parts of the country from the evening/night of June 30, while moist currents from the Arabian Sea are already penetrating eastern and central regions.

Additional moisture from the Bay of Bengal is also expected to reach the upper parts from July 02, enhancing monsoon activity across the country.

Under the influence of the weather system, scattered rain, windstorms and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from July 01 to 06.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scattered rain, windstorms and thundershowers, accompanied by isolated heavy falls, are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu, Waziristan, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan from July 01 to 05 with occasional gaps.

The PMD said scattered rain, windstorms and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot and Narowal from July 01 to 06.

Rain is also expected in Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Okara, Kasur, Noor Pur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur from July 03 to 05 with occasional gaps.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are likely in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from July 01 to 05 with occasional gaps.

The Met Office said rain, windstorms and thundershowers are expected in the northern and northeastern parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan and Dera Bugti from July 01 to 04.

In Sindh, rain, windstorms and thundershowers are likely in Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Qambar Shahdadkot and Naushahro Feroze on July 03 and 04.

The PMD warned that windstorms and lightning may damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards, during the forecast period.

It said landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from July 02 to 06. There is also a possibility of flash flooding in local streams and nullahs of Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan from July 02 to 05.

Heavy rainfall may cause urban and flash flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad from July 01 to 04.

The department advised tourists and travellers to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. Farmers were advised to manage crop activities in accordance with the weather conditions and ensure proper care of livestock.

The PMD said the prevailing hot and humid conditions are likely to subside during the forecast period.

It advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.