LAHORE (National Times) The country is in the grip of hot and sultry weather conditions, with temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius in most parts.
There is, however, a good news on weather front. Rains are expected in several parts of the country from today (Wednesday).
The Meteorological Department has forecast rains in parts of the country from June 26 to July 1. It says Sindh’s Karachi, Umerkot and Mirpurkhas will experience downpour from June 26.
Heavy rains and winds are expected from June 27 in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Bahwalpur and Lodhran.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, several areas including those of Chitral, Swat, Mansehra and Abbotabad are likely to have excessive rains.
WILL IT RAIN IN LAHORE?
Lahore is unlikely to have showers or weather change in the next few days. It will, however, have rains in monsoon.
Earlier, rain in Lahore and other parts of Punjab a day after Eidul Azha (June 20) rid people of sultry weather conditions.
On the Eid third day, mild dust storm and drizzle somewhat changed weather but people continued to pray for showers amid extremely hot and humid weather.
MONSOON AND URBAN FLOODING
The department warns that there is a risk of urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Narowal due to extreme rains from June 28 to 30.
Earlier, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a high alert about rainfall in the coming monsoon season.
The PDMA issued a notification about the start of the monsoon season from July 1, cautioning that about 15 to 50mm of rainfall is likely in the first week of July.
In the second week of July, the expected rainfall will be 25 to 35mm.
There is a risk of urban flooding and hill torrents in South Punjab, says the authority.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has directed the officials concerned to ensure precautionary measures to mitigate emergencies. He instructed them to take measures for the drainage system and cleaning of waterways.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also directed the agencies and departments concerned to be on their toes to prevent any untoward situation.
