The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Friday that rain, windstorms and thundershowers are expected across the upper parts of the country throughout the weekend.
Moorish air currents from the Arabian Sea are continuing to move into the northern territories and are forecast to strengthen on Saturday evening.
In addition, a westerly wave is likely to reach the upper regions on Saturday.
Heavy rain, windstorms and thundershowers with isolated intense downpours are anticipated in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from Friday night (July 10) through Monday (July 13).
Similar conditions are projected for Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu on Saturday and Sunday (July 12).
Scatter[?] rain, windstorms and thundershowers with occasional heavy falls are also forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot and Okara during the same period.
Saturday night through Sunday will see these conditions extending to Noor Pur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur, with brief breaks in between.
Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar are also expecting rain, windstorms and thunderstorms from Saturday night until Monday.
Isolated rain and windstorms are predicted for Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar districts on Saturday and Sunday.
Sindh, meanwhile, will largely experience hot and highly humid weather, although Tharparkar, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu and Jacobabad districts may see scattered rain on Sunday and Monday.
Authorities have been urged to stay alert, as strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable structures such as solar panels, electric poles and billboards.
Potential landslides are possible in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit‑Baltistan and Kashmir on Saturday and Sunday, and stream levels may rise in Kashmir, KP, GB and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.
Heavy rains could lead to localized urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad during the weekend.
Tourists and travellers are advised to exercise extra caution and avoid unnecessary journeys while the forecast remains in effect.
Agriculturists are reminded to align crop activities with the expected weather and to look after their livestock.
The prevailing hot and humid conditions are expected to ease as the rainy period progresses.