Islamabad, August 27, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of intense monsoon activity across Pakistan, forecasting torrential rains that could impact several regions over the next few days.
The PMD reported that a deep depression located north of Gujarat in India is expected to move towards the adjoining areas of Pakistan, particularly Eastern Sindh, within the next 24 hours. This weather system is expected to bring strong monsoon currents, especially in the southern parts of the country. Additionally, a westerly wave is anticipated to affect the upper regions of Pakistan from August 29 onward.
Regional Forecasts and Alerts
• Sindh: From August 27 to 31, widespread rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in certain areas, is expected across Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, and other cities.
• Balochistan: Similarly, from August 27 to 31, widespread rain and thunderstorms, with scattered heavy falls, are predicted in Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbella, and various other districts.
• Punjab/Islamabad: Rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with occasional heavy falls, are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Lahore, and other cities from August 27 to 31, with possible gaps in the rainfall.
• Kashmir: Rain and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in areas such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and Rawalakot from August 27 to 31.
• Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: Similar weather conditions, with isolated heavy falls, are forecasted for Chitral, Dir, Swat, and other areas from August 27 to 31.
• Gilgit-Baltistan: Rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, and other regions from August 27 to 31.
Potential Impacts and Safety Advisories
The PMD has highlighted several potential impacts due to the anticipated monsoon heavy rainfall:
1. Pluvial Flooding: There is a risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and southern and central Punjab.
2. Flash Flooding: Torrential rains could lead to flash flooding in local streams and hill torrents in regions such as D.G. Khan, Dadu, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Lasbella.
3. Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF): The PMD warns of a strong possibility of GLOF events in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan due to the intense rainfall.
4. Urban Flooding: Heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, and other major cities, particularly from August 27 to 31.
5. Landslides: There is a heightened risk of landslides in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kashmir, and other hilly areas during this period.
6. Coastal Flooding: Coastal regions along the Sindh-Makran coast are at risk of flooding due to the anticipated heavy rains.
7. Windstorm and Lightning: Severe downpours accompanied by windstorms and lightning could disrupt daily routines, damage weak structures, and lead to road closures.
Precautionary Measures
The PMD has urged farmers to plan their activities in accordance with the weather forecast to avoid damage to crops. Travelers and tourists are advised to exercise caution, especially in areas prone to landslides and flooding. Fishermen in Sindh and Balochistan are warned not to venture into the open sea from August 27 to 31.
Authorities across Pakistan are advised to stay alert amid monsoon heavy rainfall and take necessary measures to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather. The PMD will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
