Pakistan’s Meteorological Department has forecast an extended spell of rain, wind and thundershowers across the upper and central parts of the country from Aug. 17 to 21, with occasional breaks.

Monsoon currents are currently penetrating the northern regions and are likely to persist over the coming days, the Met Office said. A westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan from Aug. 17, and the interaction of the two weather systems is expected to produce widespread precipitation.

In Kashmir, scattered rain accompanied by wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, is expected across Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the evening of Aug. 16 through Aug. 21, with intermittent gaps.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to receive significant rainfall, with rain, wind and thundershower activity, including isolated heavy falls, forecast for Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar and Mardan from Aug. 17 to 21.

The southern districts of the province, including Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan, are expected to receive rain on Aug. 20 and 21.

Islamabad and upper Punjab are also expected to see rain, wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, from the evening of Aug. 16 through Aug. 21. The affected areas include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal.

Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and D.G. Khan are expected to receive rainfall on Aug. 20 and 21.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain, wind and thundershower activity is forecast for Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from Aug. 18 to 21, with occasional gaps.

Most parts of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain hot and humid. However, Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar are likely to receive rain, wind and thundershowers from the evening of Aug. 17 through Aug. 20.

The Met Office cautioned that heavy rainfall could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore between Aug. 17 and 20.

It also warned of a risk of landslides in the hilly and mountainous terrain of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir throughout the forecast period.

Authorities have advised tourists and travellers heading to the affected regions to remain cautious because of the unsettled weather. Farmers have also been urged to plan crop-related activities in light of the forecast and take appropriate care of livestock.

The Met Office urged concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation while the weather system remains active.