ISLAMABAD: The early pre-monsoon rains come as a relief to the falling levels at reservoirs and the authorities expect that water will inch up by Tuesday due to rain in the Murree areas too.

Islamabad received 72mm rainfall on Monday, the highest amount across the country, and Murree received a 37mm, helping not only reducing the mercury level but also improving the water level in Rawal and Simly dams.

Starting in the wee hours of Monday, the rain in Islamabad was followed by another strong spell late in the morning.

The rainfall cooled the atmospheric conditions by around four degrees to 29 degrees compared to 32 degrees a day earlier.

The Met Office said the hot and humid conditions across the country triggered a trough of westerly wave over eastern Iran and north-Afghanistan which penetrated into Pakistan.

At the same time, the Met Office predicted moderate to heavy rainfall from June 20 to 21.

This time the showers are expected from the east as the pre-monsoon rains have arrived.

The monsoon season in Pakistan starts from July 1 and continues till September 15.

However, the first half of July is credited with pre-monsoon rains.

The early onset of the pre-monsoon spell is a welcoming sign for the authorities who were concerned over the water loss at Rawal and Simly dams.

“Currently, the water level at Rawal Dam is 1,736 feet which is well above the dead level of 1,708 feet.

“But the situation could have been serious without rains as without clouds the water evaporation remains high,” said an official of the Punjab irrigation department that manages the lake.

The maximum level at Rawal Dam is 1,746-1,748 feet and the officials expect a gradual increase in the level as the rainwater from Murree would flow in.

Similarly, the current level at Simly Dam was 2254.45 feet, which is well below the peak level of 2,305 feet, and the rains will supplement the reservoir.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2017