Heavy rain, thunderstorms likely in upper areas of country: PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, thunderstorms and heavy downpour in various parts as the current monsoon spell is likely to continue in the upper parts of the nation on Saturday.

The wet spell is predicted to continue in the upper portions of the country till September 5 while the monsoon activity is projected to subside from September 6, the Flood Forecasting Division said.

The forecast indicated that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at scattered places throughout upper Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper catchment areas of rivers.

Heavy downpours may cause possible water accumulation and urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal, said the PMD.

Water levels and flooding are also a threat to streams and nullahs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially those linked with the Kabul River.

Rain and thunderstorms are anticipated in Attock, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Jhelum, Khushab, Lahore, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Sheikhupura and Sialkot in Punjab.

Rainfall may occur at a few places of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Abbottabad, Bajaur, Buner, Charsadda, Mansehra, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Swat and Dir.

Rain is also forecast in isolated spots in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.

Water flows in the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers are likely to rise somewhat during the next 24 to 36 hours, the Flood Forecasting Division said.

The division said Tarbela Dam was at its maximum conservation level at the moment while Mangla Dam was holding roughly 78 percent of its storage capacity.

Low level flooding has been observed at several points along the Indus River, while flows in the other major rivers are within typical limits.

In the severe rains, authorities have encouraged individuals to avoid traveling unnecessarily, to be cautious in low-lying regions and to keep away from rivers, streams and nullahs.

PMD still delivers daily weather updates and warnings through its official channels.