Rain, thunderstorms likely in Karachi, Lahore from weekend: PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecast strong winds, thunderstorms and rain in several parts of the country from the weekend, with Karachi likely to receive showers from Sunday evening/night through September 16 and Lahore expected to see rain from September 14 to 17. The weather advisory department on Friday said monsoon currents are penetrating the upper parts of the country, while a westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper regions during the weekend. The westerly system is likely to strengthen from Monday, September 14, it maintained. In Sindh, most districts are expected to remain hot and humid, according to the PMD. However, from the evening/night of September 13 to September 16, Karachi, Jacobabad, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu and Sukkur may experience strong winds, thunderstorms and rain, with isolated heavy showers also possible. In Punjab, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected from September 14 to 17 in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Bahawalpur and several other districts. Isolated areas may also receive heavy rain and hail. The PMD said heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore and other major cities, particularly between September 14 and 17. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Murree, Galiyat, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Faisalabad are also among the areas at risk. In Kashmir, rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected intermittently from September 12 to 17, with isolated heavy rain and hail possible. Similar conditions are forecast in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan during the period. The department warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in streams and local rivers in mountainous areas and potentially damage vulnerable infrastructure. There is also a risk of lightning strikes during thunderstorms. The PMD advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel in mountainous areas, stay away from electricity poles, billboards and trees during strong winds, and take necessary precautions. Farmers have also been advised to adjust their activities according to the expected weather conditions.

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