Widespread showers expected to lash Punjab during monsoon’s fourth spell

The fourth spell of monsoon rains is expected to begin today, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The spell is likely to affect most parts of Punjab, with widespread showers already reported and more expected through July 25.

A Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s (PDMA) spokesperson said that heavy rainfall is likely to be witnessed in the key districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala.

Rain is also expected in major urban centres like Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Multan, as well as in other areas, including Narowal, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sargodha, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar.

Read: Fourth spell of monsoon rains to hit Punjab tomorrow

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali warned that rainfall in the upper catchment areas of rivers poses a serious risk of flooding, as increases in water levels have been observed in the Ravi, Jhelum, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers, prompting alerts for communities situated along these waterways.

The Indus River is also experiencing a moderate flood at Taunsa, while low-level floods are ongoing at Tarbela, Kalabagh, and Chashma.

Meanwhile, in Karachi, residents experienced a brief reprieve from the heat as light showers and cloudy skies greeted them on Sunday morning. The Met Office has forecast cloudy conditions for the next 24 hours with chances of further rain.

Read: 97 children among over 200 dead as monsoon rains intensify in country

The maximum temperature in the city is expected to hover between 32°C and 34°C, while humidity remains high at 75%. Light rain was reported in several parts of the city, including Malir, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Shah Faisal, North Karachi, Saddar, Burns Road, and University Road, where the highest rainfall of 2.3mm was recorded.

The Met Office has also warned of another monsoon system likely to affect parts of Sindh in late July, possibly bringing heavier downpours.