RAWALPINDI: Rain accompanied by gusty winds is expected in the upper parts of the country, including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, from September 15 to 20, with occasional gaps.

The Met Office said that moderate monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal are likely to penetrate the upper parts of the country from September 15 (evening or night). A westerly wave is also likely to enter these areas on September 16.

Under the influence of this system, rain and windstorms (with a few moderate to isolated heavy falls) are expected in Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Gilgit Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera from September 15 (evening/night) to September 20 with occasional gaps.

From September 16 (evening/night) to September 18, rain, wind, or thunderstorms are also expected in Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, and Bhakkar from September 16 (evening/night) to September 18 with occasional gaps, while in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Musa Khel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Tharparkar, Umer Kot, and Sanghar rain is also expected during the period.

The Met Office predicted that the moderate to heavy falls may increase the water flow in local nullahs or streams in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Galliyat, Murree, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad from September 17 to 19. It stated that moderate to heavy rains may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, and Abbottabad during the wet spell from September 16 to 19.

The prevailing very hot and humid conditions are likely to subside during the spell. Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities accordingly. Tourists and travellers are advised to remain cautious to avoid any untoward situations during the period. It warned that a windstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, panels, and The general public is advised to stay in safe places during windstorms, lightning, and heavy rains.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2023