KARACHI: While many cities are currently sweltering under a heatwave-like situation, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted that numerous areas in the country will encounter heavy monsoon rains from June to August.
This forecast, though it may bring relief from the scorching heat, also raises concerns as excessive rainfall could trigger flash floods across the nation.
According to the PMD’s outlook for expected monsoon rains, most areas are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall this year. However, central and northern Punjab are likely to experience particularly heavy downpours, the Met Office noted.
Furthermore, southern Sindh is expected to receive substantial rainfall, with Balochistan also at risk of encountering extraordinary rainy conditions.
Conversely, Khyber Pakthunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan are projected to experience average rainfall this year, as per the meteorological department’s forecast.
The department has forecasted heavier rainfall during the initial phase of the monsoon compared to the later phase.
“There’s a higher likelihood of heavy rains during the first phase compared to the second phase of the monsoon,” it stated.
On May 27, the PMD had predicted that Punjab and the northern regions of the country would likely experience rainfall during the ongoing week, potentially bringing relief from the prevailing heatwave.
While much of the plains in Pakistan endure severe hot weather, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in various cities, the PMD had indicated the possibility of isolated wet spells in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and several Punjab cities.
“The Meteorological Office has reported that a shallow westerly wave is expected to affect the northern regions of the country on May 28 (evening/night),” the weather forecast had mentioned.
According to the Met Office, if rain occurred, severe heatwave conditions were likely to ease in the northern regions.
However, the weather’s intensity was anticipated to persist in the central and southern parts of the country, particularly in Punjab and Sindh, with daytime temperatures projected to remain 3°C to 4°C above normal, as per the forecast.
