RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted more rain from Friday to Sunday across different cities in the country including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The Met Office said that a weak to moderate moist currents from Arabian Sea are likely to penetrate in upper parts of the country from Sept 22. A westerly wave is also likely to affect upper parts during the period.

Under the weather system, rain/wind-thundershower (with few moderate to heavy falls) is 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, Kurram, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera from September 22 to 24 with occasional gaps.

Moreover, rain/wind-thundershower is also expected in Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Bahawalnagar on September 23 and 24 with occasional gaps.

It warned that moderate to heavy falls may cause urban flooding in low lying areas of Lahore, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi on September 22 and 23. It said 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 from Sept 22 to 24.

It advised farmers to manage their crop activities accordingly and asked tourists and travelers to remain cautious to avoid any untoward situation during the period. It stated that wind-thunderstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, solar panels etc. General public is advised to stay at safe places during wind-storm/lightning/moderate/heavy rains.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2023