RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain and thundershowers in the upper parts of the country, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, on September 4 and 5.

The Met Office said monsoon currents were penetrating the upper parts of the country. A westerly wave was also affecting the upper parts and was likely to strengthen on September 4 and 5.

It stated that rain, with isolated heavy to very heavy falls at times, was expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Kasur on September 4 and 5.

It said moderate moist currents were penetrating the upper parts of the country and were likely to strengthen from the early hours of Friday. A westerly wave was affecting the northern and western parts of the country.

It said rain and thundershowers were expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Upper Punjab, the Potohar region, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Isolated heavy to very heavy falls were also expected during the period. Hot and humid weather was likely in the southern areas of the country.

The Met Office warned that heavy rains might cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore and Sialkot. Heavy rainfall might generate flash flooding in local streams in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Potohar region during the period. Heavy rainfall might also cause landslides in the hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir.

In view of the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s forecast of further rainfall, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Salman Ghani directed all departments concerned across the division to remain on high alert and ensure all necessary precautionary and administrative measures.

Commissioner Ghani said that, in accordance with the special instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, all institutions must complete advance preparations to effectively deal with the possibility of heavy rainfall and the risk of urban flooding.

Wasa, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, district administrations, Municipal Corporations, the Health Department, Police, Traffic Police and other departments concerned must remain present in the field and maintain close coordination.

The commissioner directed that effective drainage arrangements must be ensured in low-lying areas during rainfall under all circumstances. Dewatering sets, pumps, machinery and other essential equipment must be kept fully operational. Immediate action must be taken in case of water accumulation during rainfall.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2026