A fresh spell of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds is expected across parts of Pakistan from Monday following the arrival of a western weather system, with unsettled conditions forecast to continue until September 6.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department said widespread rainfall was expected across upper Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and upper river catchment areas, with some locations likely to receive heavy downpours.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding areas are forecast to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Rain has already been reported in several parts of the federal capital, Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.
In KP, the spell is expected to affect Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, Peshawar, Nowshera, Abbottabad and Mansehra, among other areas.
Parts of upper Punjab, including Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Sialkot and Gujrat, are also likely to receive rain and strong winds. Similar conditions have been forecast for Murree, the Galiyat region, Kashmir and upper Gilgit-Baltistan.
The weather department said rainfall between August 31 and September 6 could cause a moderate increase in water levels in rivers, streams and other waterways.
Authorities have advised residents and travellers in mountainous areas to exercise caution, particularly where prolonged or heavy rainfall could increase the risk of landslides.
The wet weather is expected to bring down temperatures across affected regions and provide some relief from recent heat and humidity.
Most of Sindh and Balochistan, meanwhile, are expected to remain hot and humid, although partly cloudy conditions may develop along coastal areas.