RAWALPINDI: Rain varying from light to heavy lashed the twin cities on Friday, creating a chill in the air.

The Met Office has predicted more rainfall in upper parts of the country on Saturday.

Dry weather is expected in Sindh and Balochistan.

The residents of the twin cities woke up to an overcast sky and rain. This situation affected the supply of electricity and natural gas in some parts of the garrison city.

Low pressure of natural gas was reported in different parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The Met Office recorded 5 millimetres rain at Chaklala, 16mm at Shamsabad in Rawalpindi while 13mm at Zero point, 6mm at Bokra, 14mm at Saidpur and 6mm at Golra in Islamabad.

According to a met official, rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad and Kashmir. Heavy falls and hailstorm are likely to occur in a few places during the period. Dry weather is expected in Sindh and Balochistan.

He said that dry weather is expected in southern parts of the country. Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in upper KP, Islamabad, northeast Punjab, Potohar region and Kashmir. Heavy falls and hailstorm are likely to occur in Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas.

The highest maximum temperatures recorded during the period were Tando Jam 34C, Shaheed Benazirabad and Mithi 33C.

About the seasonal outlook for April and May, the long lasting La-Niña condition has finally made a transition to a neutral state and is expected to remain neutral throughout March, April and May.

A tendency for nearly normal precipitation is likely to occur over most parts of the country. Northern parts of KP and most of Gilgit-Baltistan may receive slightly below normal precipitation.

Seasonal mean temperatures are expected to remain above normal over most parts of the country with chances of heat wave episodes.

Based on the expected warmer conditions during the coming months, rabi crops will get mature earlier. Water requirements for the standing crops (kharif season) are likely be enhanced.

The increase in maximum temperature along with dry condition would be supportive for early onset. The atmospheric conditions are suggestive for the likelihood of heat wave development during pollen season in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore. Due to soaring temperatures, water stress is predicted for agriculture and domestic needs during the forthcoming season.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2023