Rain, thunderstorms and strong winds are expected across upper and central Pakistan from August 17 to 21, with risks of flooding and landslides.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted several days of rain, strong winds and thundershowers across upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21, with intermittent breaks expected during the period.
According to the latest Pakistan rain forecast, monsoon currents are continuing to move into northern areas, while a westerly wave is expected to reach the upper parts of the country from August 17. The interaction of these weather systems is likely to produce widespread rainfall in several regions.
In Kashmir, rain and thunderstorms are expected from the evening of August 16 through August 21. Areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur may also experience isolated heavy rainfall.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is likely to receive substantial rainfall between August 17 and 21. Dir, Chitral, Swat, Malakand, Nowshera, Swabi, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan and several other districts are expected to experience rain, strong winds and thunderstorms.
Southern districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan, are expected to receive rain mainly on August 20 and 21.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat and several districts of Punjab are also expected to experience unsettled weather from August 16 to 21. Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Sargodha, Faisalabad and surrounding areas are among the locations likely to receive rainfall.
Gilgit-Baltistan will also see rain, wind and thunderstorms from August 18 to 21, particularly in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
Most parts of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain hot and humid. However, Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar may receive rain and thunderstorms between August 17 and 20.
The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore from August 17 to 20. Landslides are also possible in mountainous areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree and Galliyat.
Authorities have been advised to remain alert, while tourists and travelers should exercise caution in vulnerable areas. Farmers have also been urged to adjust agricultural activities and ensure proper care of livestock during the unsettled weather.
The public can obtain regular updates through the PMD website and the Pak Weather mobile application.