Pakistan is set to receive its first spell of monsoon rains from July 1, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country through July 6, while the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert for heavy rain, windstorms, hail and possible urban flooding.

According to the PMD, monsoon currents are expected to enter the upper parts of the country on June 30, bringing widespread rainfall to Azad Kashmir from July 1 to 6, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan from July 1 to 5, northeastern Balochistan from July 1 to 4, and the upper districts of Sindh from July 1 to 4.

Another spell of rain is also forecast in Sindh on July 3 and 4.

Upper and central Punjab are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms from July 1 to 6, with heavy downpours likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat and surrounding areas.

Separately, the PDMA has warned that most districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Narowal, are likely to receive rain from July 1 to 6.

A second spell is expected in southern Punjab, including Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Okara, Kasur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal and Lodhran, from July 3 to 6.

The PDMA has also warned of urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.

PDMA Director General Umar Javed said all commissioners and deputy commissioners have been placed on alert on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

He urged residents to stay indoors during lightning and thunderstorms, avoid open areas, and advised farmers and tourists to take precautionary measures.

Citizens have been asked to contact the PDMA emergency helpline 1129 in case of any emergency.