Ahead of monsoon outset, hot weather gripped Karachi and other cities on Sunday, compelling citizens to remain indoors as the temperature rose to 44 degrees Celsius in Punjab and Balochistan.
According to the Pakistan meteorological department (PMD), maximum temperature recorded on Sunday was 44 degree centigrade in Bhukkar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Turbat. In Karachi, mercury on the scale rose to 40 degree centigrade. The Met Office has predicted that onset of monsoon is very likely in Pakistan on Sunday.
The rain spell is likely to start from upper parts of the country and will spread towards central and southern parts of the country during the week.
Widespread rains with isolated heavy thundershowers accompanied by strong gusty winds are expected in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA and Kashmir. While scattered rains/dust-thundershowers are also expected in Sindh and Balochistan during the next 24 hours.
All concerned authorities are advised to remain alert during the coming week because there is high probability of isolated heavy downpours which may generate flash flooding in hilly terrain and urban flooding in big cities. Summer monsoon rainfall is likely to be 10-20 per cent above normal over the country, averaged for three months. More than average rainfall is expected over Punjab, KP, Sindh, AJK and Northeast Balochistan.
