Ninth monsoon spell to hit upper and central Pakistan from August 29, reports PMD

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast the arrival of the ninth spell of monsoon rains, set to begin from August 29, and expected to continue till Monday, September 2, affecting several parts of upper and central Pakistan.

According to the PMD, this upcoming spell is being driven by a strong influx of monsoon currents originating from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Additionally, a fresh westerly wave is anticipated to enter the upper and central regions of the country starting August 30, further intensifying weather activity.

The weather office has issued a rain forecast for several areas, including the Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Poonch in Kashmir. Intermittent rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms is also expected in Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy downpours in some locations.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, areas such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar are also expected to receive rain, with some places likely to experience heavy showers. Meanwhile, the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum, are also on the forecast for rain.

Across Punjab, intermittent rain is predicted for Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Narowal. Some parts of the province could also see heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Rain is also expected in Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal.

In its daily weather outlook, the PMD noted that most of the country is expected to remain hot and humid today.

However, parts of northeastern Punjab, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Potohar region may experience strong winds and thunderstorms. For Islamabad and its surroundings, a humid and partly cloudy day is expected, with a chance of strong winds and thunderstorms during the evening or night.