The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab on Thursday forecast the start of the 9th spell of monsoon across the province from tomorrow (Friday), and issued a flood alert for rivers and streams due to expected heavy rainfall.

According to the PDMA, severe thunderstorms and heavy rains will lash most districts of Punjab. The 9th monsoon spell will continue until September 2, bringing intense rainfall to various regions.

Rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Gujrat, and Sialkot, while Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Rajanpur may also receive rain.

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed has instructed all commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to remain on high alert.

Meanwhile, the main rivers and their tributaries were remained in high flood on Thursday due to the rains.

The Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers were flowing at very high flood levels.

The Relief Commissioner warned that streams and nullahs in major cities may overflow due to monsoon rains.

All deputy commissioners and other officials have been directed to stay present in the field.

Alerts have also been issued to the departments of health, irrigation, communication and works, local government, and livestock.

Citizens have been advised to take precautionary measures during bad weather, avoid gathering near rivers or engaging in recreational activities nearby.

In case of storms or high winds, people have been urged to stay in safe locations and avoid unnecessary travel.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast hot and dry weather in most parts of the country, although Islamabad and surrounding areas may experience rain in a few places.

The weather will remain dry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while in Sindh, hot and humid conditions will likely persist.

Most districts of Balochistan may witness cloudy skies, while Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to experience rain with strong winds and thunderstorms.