Long Spell of Monsoon Rainfall Predicted Across Pakistan

The Met Office has warned that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously entering the upper and central parts of the country and are likely to intensify over the weekend.

A western disturbance is also expected to approach the upper regions on Monday, setting the stage for a prolonged spell of rain, windstorms and thunderstorms.

According to the forecast, Kashmir will receive rain, windstorms and thundershowers with scattered heavy to very heavy falls from the evening or night of July 18 to July 25, with occasional gaps.

A similar spell is expected in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23.

Punjab and Islamabad are also likely to experience rain, windstorms and thundershowers from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23, while southern Punjab districts may receive heavy rain from July 20 to July 24.

Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to face rain, thunderstorms and moderate to heavy falls from July 18 to July 25.

The forecast also includes rain and thundershowers in parts of north and northeastern Balochistan from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23.

Sindh, however, will remain mostly hot and very humid, though isolated rain and thundershowers are possible in several districts from July 20 to July 24.

The Met Office warned that windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as solar panels, electric poles and billboards.

It also cautioned that landslides could affect vulnerable areas in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir.

Flash flooding may occur in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Balochistan.

Urban flooding is also possible in major cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad.

The Met Office has advised tourists and travellers to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the wet spell.

Farmers have also been urged to plan crop activities carefully and protect livestock. Authorities have been asked to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation.