Meteorological Department Director General Mehr Sahibzad Khan provided an update on the monsoon situation, revealing that this year’s monsoon rains are expected to exceed normal levels.
Khan highlighted that Pakistan has already received 8% more rain than usual within the past 11 days.
Punjab has experienced a significant increase in rainfall, with 59% more rain than average, while Sindh has seen a 62% decrease in rainfall, according to Khan. Despite the heavy rains, he assured that there is no emergency situation in the rivers as of now.
"The Chenab and Ravi rivers have enough water capacity to handle the current rainfall," Khan stated, although he noted that some flood situations might arise in the Chenab River. He emphasized that, although floods pose challenges, they can also be beneficial for agriculture.
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Khan assured that there is no flood situation anywhere in the country currently. He pointed out that the rain has been a blessing for agriculture, especially in rice-growing areas, but warned that excessive rain could be harmful to vegetable and cotton crops.
He further said the Met Department is committed to keeping farmers informed about the rains and their effects. "We provide forecasts about the intensity of rainfall three to four days in advance," Khan said, underscoring the importance of timely updates for agricultural planning.
Also Read: Heavy rains, flooding predicted in Punjab: PDMA issues fresh alert
Meanwhile, the Met Department has forecast heavy rain in several parts of the country today. Rain is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, upper Punjab, and northeast Balochistan. The capital city, Islamabad, is expected to experience partly cloudy conditions with a likelihood of rain in and around the city.
Lahore weather
In Lahore, residents can anticipate rain this afternoon in different areas of the city. The Met Department has indicated that dark clouds will form and rain is expected to follow. The minimum temperature in Lahore on Thursday is predicted to be 27 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature will reach 38 degrees Celsius.
Also Read: Karachi weather: More monsoon rains predicted
The anticipated rain is expected to alleviate the current heat, making the weather more pleasant for residents in the affected areas. The Met Department advises residents to stay informed about weather updates and to take necessary precautions during heavy rain, especially in areas prone to flooding.
Karachi weather
The department said the next spell of monsoon rains in Karachi is anticipated to begin after July 20. The weather office has forecast partly cloudy, hot, and humid weather for the city.