RAWALPINDI: A new wet spell will start in the Potohar region, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, from Monday.

According to the Meteorological Department, rain wind/thunderstorm (with a few hailstorm and heavy falls) are expected in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, northeast Balochistan and Islamabad.

The Met Office said: “Monsoon will start from next month and usually in the period before monsoon a hot weather is witnessed.”

But rain is expected from Monday to Wednesday. Farmers in upper parts of the country have been advised to harvest their crops after the rain while in central parts they should sow seeds for the new crops after rains.

“The day temperatures are expected to decrease in most of the plain areas. The highest day temperatures may reach 44 degrees Celsius in Turbat, 42 to 49 degrees in Sibbi, Dadu and Rahimyar Khan. In Islamabad andRawalpindi, the mercury level may decrease from 29 degrees to 26 degrees in coming days,” said an official in Met Office.

On the other hand, the district health authority is worried about the dengue virus as rains and low temperatures may provide a better environment for the breeding of the mosquitoes.

Dr Suhail Ahmed of the District Health Authority said teams had been formed to detect the dengue larvae and carry out spray in low-lying areas.

He said there was a need to create awareness among the citizens about cleanliness in their houses and surrounding areas and avoid accumulation of water.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2020