Islamabad, July 15, 2024 – Karachi is set to experience intense monsoon rains starting from July 18, 2024, according to a forecast issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday.
The meteorological office has indicated that moderate monsoon currents are likely to penetrate the country from the Arabian Sea beginning on July 16. This weather system will impact various regions across Pakistan, bringing significant rainfall and potential disruptions.
Kashmir: The monsoon rains and thundershowers are expected in areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from the evening of July 16 to July 21, with intermittent gaps.
Punjab/Islamabad: Islamabad and Rawalpindi, along with other cities such as Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, and Mianwali, are expected to receive monsoon rains and thundershowers from July 17 to July 20. Southern regions like Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, D.G. Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan, and Layyah will experience rain-wind/thundershowers from July 17 to July 19.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: Monsoon rains and thundershowers are anticipated in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Waziristan, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan from the evening of July 16 to July 21, with occasional gaps.
Balochistan: The province will mostly experience hot and humid weather, with monsoon rains and thundershowers expected in the north and eastern parts, including Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbella, Awaran, Ziarat, Zhob, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Shirani, Kohlu, Harnai, Naseerabad, and Jaffarabad, from July 17 to July 19.
Sindh: Predominantly hot and very humid conditions are forecasted for most districts. However, rain, wind, and thundershowers are expected in Mithi, Sanghar, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Badin, Sajawal, Thatta, Karachi, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qamber Shahdadkot, Larkana, Dadu, and Padidan on July 18 and 19, with occasional gaps.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Mostly partly cloudy to cloudy weather is expected, with rainfall activity in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from July 17 to July 21.
Possible Impacts and Advisories
• Heavy Rainfall: Increased inflows in local nullahs and streams of Murree, Galliyat, Manshera, Kohistan, and Kashmir from July 17 to 19.
• Urban Flooding: Potential urban flooding in low-lying areas of Punjab and lower Sindh on July 18 and 19.
• Landslides: Risk of landslides in vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during the rain spell.
• Daily Disruptions: Heavy downpour, windstorm, and lightning may affect daily routines, leading to the collapse of weak structures like Kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.
• Farmers: Advised to manage their activities according to the weather forecast.
• Travelers and Tourists: Urged to remain extra cautious and manage their travel plans to avoid any untoward situations during the wet spell.
• Authorities: All concerned authorities are advised to remain “ALERT” and take necessary measures to prevent any adverse outcomes.
The impending monsoon rains signal a critical period for Karachi and other affected regions. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and take precautionary measures to ensure safety and minimize disruptions.