First monsoon rains expected in Pakistan from July 1

The first spell of monsoon rains is expected to reach Pakistan on July 1, bringing some relief from the ongoing heatwave.

According to the Meteorological Department, the first monsoon system will mainly affect the northeastern parts of the country, especially Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said people in these areas should prepare for rainfall as the weather system moves in.

Meanwhile, Sindh and several other parts of the country are expected to remain mostly dry over the next few days. However, a low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal may bring light rain to Karachi and other coastal areas of Sindh.

The Meteorological Department said that many areas of Sindh are likely to receive below-average rainfall during this year’s monsoon season.

It also warned that southern Pakistan, central Punjab, eastern Balochistan, and western Sindh may continue to experience higher-than-normal temperatures.

The PDMA said the heat could become more intense in the plains of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan because of the prolonged heatwave.

Although overall rainfall may remain below normal, the PDMA warned that some areas could still receive heavy rain, which may cause urban flooding in major cities.