Meteorological department has issued weather advisory for farmers of cotton, rice, sugarcane, vegetables, fodder etc till 10th August 2011 as under. Past weather (21st July to 31st July, 2011): Rain/thunderstorms with gusty winds have been reported at scattered places of Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, KPK and Punjab and at a few places in Sindh, north-east and central Balochistan.
Temperature Forecast: Temperature may rise 2-30C in the upper agricultural plain including upper plain of KPK and central plains of Punjab till 5th August. In lower half of the country including southern Punjab, lower KPK, Sindh and Balochistan the rise is more pronounced due to expected clear skies and temperature may rise above 450C.
Rain Forecast: Mainly hot and humid weather is expected in the agricultural plains of the country for most of the days during this period. Monsoon weather system is approaching towards upper parts of the country and may start to affect the weather after 5th August due to which rain/thundershower is expected mostly in the upper half of the country including central and northern Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and upper KPK. Wind Forecast: Gusty winds may prevail occasionally in the monsoon belt and adjoining areas, mostly in the upper half of the country during these ten days. Advice for Farmers: Due to expected dry weather in the cotton belt, farmers are advised to irrigate the crops as per requirement.