The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory announcing the arrival of the final monsoon rain spell in the northern regions of the country, signaling the withdrawal of the monsoon season from Pakistan.
According to the PMD, a rain-producing system originating from the west is expected to enter the northern parts of the country on the evening or night of Thursday, September 28.
This weather system is anticipated to bring moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, to several areas. The affected regions include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, and various areas in Kashmir, such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, as well as parts of Gilgit Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar. This rainy period is expected to persist from September 28 to September 30.
Additionally, isolated spells of rain and thunderstorms, including hailstorms, are predicted in other areas, encompassing Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Haripur, Kurram, Waziristan, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, and Sheikhupura between September 28 and 29.
Furthermore, regions including Zhob, Barkhan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Okara, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar are also expected to experience similar weather conditions during this specified period.
The Met office anticipates snowfall in the high mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during this time.
One significant impact of this weather event will be a noticeable drop in temperatures in the affected areas.
The PMD has advised farmers to make arrangements for their crops accordingly and encouraged tourists to exercise caution to avoid any unforeseen situations during this period.
Additionally, the general public has been urged to seek shelter in safe locations during windstorms, lightning, and heavy rain, as loose structures like electric poles, solar panels, and billboards may be susceptible to damage from the strong gusts.
