Monsoon rains set to hit Pakistan next week

Met office alerts relevant departments to possible flood-like situation.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday predicted an early onset of the monsoon season this year, saying its prediction was based on a set of parameters such as the depth of westerlies over the region, wind flow pattern, rainfall distribution and outgoing long-wave radiation.

The department has forecast that monsoon’s onset over the mainland is expected from June 27. All departments concerned have been alerted to the possible flood-like situation that could arise as a result of heavy showers, and advised to take precautionary measures to avoid a loss to human life and property.



Talking to The Express Tribune, PMD Director General Dr Ghulam Rasul said, “Usually, monsoon rains start from July 1, but this year it is going to begin from June 27 which is not something unusual.”

An early monsoon arrival is likely to provide relief to parts of the country reeling under severe heatwave and ease the drought-like conditions, he said, adding luckily this year’s intense heatwave has caused a few casualties when compared with last year’s casualty figure that crossed the 1,000 mark.

“It is expected that monsoon showers will bring the mercury level down by three to four degree Celsius across the country, with the temperature fluctuating between 35 and 37 degree Celsius in most parts of the country. It will touch 40 degree C only during dry spells,” he said.

Dr Rasul said that at scattered places moderate to heavy showers are expected during the rainy season. “It is not possible to tell exactly which area will receive the highest amount of rainfall, but the lives of people living along nullahs and rivers will be at stake.”

He particularly drew attention towards the water inflow in the Tarbela Dam that is already above 20% than normal these days due to the fast melting of glaciers.



“The water inflow will increase during the monsoon season that could lead to an alarming situation,” he said. He said if catchment areas receive a heavy downpour then the lives of the people living downstream the dam will be at risk.

“The Met Office is only responsible for issuing weather forecast and to alert the departments concerned about extreme weather conditions. Therefore, it should not be held responsible for any major damage as a result,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2016.