The Pakistan Meteorological Department has said that weak to moderate moist currents from the Arabian Sea were likely to penetrate in upper parts of the country from Friday.
“A westerly wave is also likely to affect upper parts on September 22,” said the Met Office on Friday.
Under the influence of this weather system:
“Rain and thundershowers (with few moderate to heavy falls) were 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 and thundershowers were 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.
The Met Office has predicted that moderate to heavy falls might cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi on Friday and Saturday.
“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 September 22 to 24,” it added.
It advised farmers to manage their crop activities accordingly. Tourists and travellers have been advised to remain cautious to avoid any untoward situation during the period.
“Wind-thunderstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, solar panels etc. The general public is advised to stay at safe places during wind-storm/lightning/moderate/heavy rains,” it added.