Rain predicted over the weekend

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory predicting increased rainfall over the upcoming weekend, starting from September 22, 2023.

According to the Met office, a combination of weak to moderate moist currents from the Arabian Sea and the influence of a westerly wave is expected to affect the upper regions of the country.

As a result of this weather system, the following areas are anticipated to experience rain, wind-thundershowers (including some moderate to heavy falls), from September 22nd to September 24th:

In Kashmir: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.

In Gilgit Baltistan: Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar.

In Punjab: Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kurram, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera.

On September 23rd and 24th, rain/wind-thundershowers are also expected in the following areas with occasional gaps:

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan.

In Punjab: Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Bahawalnagar.

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Moderate to heavy rainfall could potentially lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi on September 22nd and 23rd. Moreover, there is a risk of landslides in vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, and Abbottabad from September 22nd to 24th.

To ensure safety, tourists and travelers are advised to exercise caution and be prepared for adverse weather conditions during this period. The wind-thunderstorm may pose a risk to loose structures, such as electric poles and solar panels. The general public is urged to seek shelter in secure locations during windstorms, lightning, and moderate to heavy rains.

Additionally, all relevant authorities are urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions in response to this weather forecast.