The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast the first regular spell of monsoon rains to begin across the country from today, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms and possible flooding in several regions.
According to the PMD and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), intermittent rain is expected from July 1 to July 6 in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock.
The weather authorities have warned that parts of northeastern Punjab and the Potohar region could receive heavy downpours, raising the risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas.
In southern Punjab, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Khanewal, Muzaffargarh, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bhakkar and Mianwali, rain is expected between July 3 and July 5.
The PMD has also forecast widespread rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms in the upper and mountainous districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 1 to July 5.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Shangla and adjoining areas, where local streams and hill torrents may overflow.
The weather department has advised the public, tourists and local authorities to remain cautious, as heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods, urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.
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