ISLAMABAD: With monsoon currents penetrating the upper and central parts of the country, the weather during Eid is likely to be wet, which can be troubling for animal sellers and can also make handling meat challenging.

Seasonal lows lie over northwest Balochistan and moist winds are approaching from the East, which will likely bring rains in some parts of the Rawalpindi district, central Punjab as well as Mirpurkhas, Thatta and Hyderabad.

Light to moderate rains are likely to continue in several areas of northern Punjab in the coming days but heavy rainfall during the mornings are expected during the mid of next week.

Rain before Aug 22, when Eid is expected, will make the sacrificing of animals difficult and sellers will also face problems.

Hot and humid conditions are expected following rains between Aug 22 and Aug 24 along with bright sunshine, with temperatures rising to 35°C. Mishandling of meat will therefore mean easy rotting.

Though it did not rain on Thursday, three deaths and the damaging of 26 houses were attributed to the impact of earlier rains.

While all the rivers are flowing normally, other than the Indus at Taunsa and Guddu, which is at low flood level, there are chances of urban flooding in the coming days.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recommended that in wake of ongoing monsoon spell, relevant stakeholders need to remain alert and ensure timely clearance of sewerage / drainage system in all major cities including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan and Peshawar.

NDMA has also advised vulnerable population not to cross nullahs along flash flood routes.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2018