KARACHI: Although most of the cities are currently experiencing a heatwave-like situation, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday forecast that many areas in the country will receive immoderate monsoon rains from June to August.
This forecast, while may be a sigh of relief amid scorching hot weather but, is also a cause of concern because excessive rainfalls could generate flash floods in the country.
As per the outlook of expected monsoon rains predicted by the PMD, there was a chance of usual and above normal rains in most places this year. Whereas, excessive downpour was likely to hit central and northern Punjab, the Met Office said.
Meanwhile, southern Sindh might also receive torrential rains, it said adding that Balochistan too was vulnerable to hits from extraordinary rainy weather.
On the flip side, Khyber Pakthunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience average rainfall this year, according to the meteorological department.
The department has predicted heavy rainfall in the first phase of monsoon in comparison with the second phase.
“There is a possibility of heavy rains in the first phase in comparison with the second phase of monsoon,” it said.
The PMD had on May 27 predicted that Punjab and upper parts of the country were expected to receive rain during the ongoing week which could break the heat spell that has left almost the entire country sweltering.
As most of the plains in the country remain under the influence of severe hot weather with mercury reaching well above 40°C in various cities, the PMD had notified the likelihood of isolated wet spells in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and several cities of Punjab.
“Met office informed that a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect upper parts of the country on May 28 (evening/night),” the weather forecast had stated.
As per the Met Office, severe heatwave conditions were likely to subside in upper parts if it rained.
However, the intensity of weather will persist in the central and southern parts of the country, that is Punjab and Sindh, with day temperatures likely to remain 3°C to 4°C above normal, it had said.