Islamabad, August 28, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of continued heavy monsoon rains across multiple districts of Sindh on August 29, 2024. This ongoing monsoon spell is expected to cause widespread rainfall, exacerbating flooding concerns and potentially disrupting daily life in various regions.
In its latest weather update, the PMD forecasted that the monsoon rains will persist in most parts of Sindh and extend to eastern and southern Balochistan. Rainfall is also anticipated in scattered locations across Punjab, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. Heavy downpours are predicted for lower Sindh, eastern and southern Balochistan, northeast Punjab, the Pothohar region, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir during this period.
The PMD has warned that the intense monsoon activity could lead to flooding in low-lying areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab. Flash floods are a particular concern in local streams and hill torrents of several regions including D.G. Khan, Dadu, Karachi, Hyderabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Jaffarabad, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Barkhan, Loralai, Awaran, Panjgur, Washuk, Mastung, and Lasbella. Additionally, there is a risk of landslides in mountainous areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Urban flooding is also expected in the low-lying areas of Multan, Sahiwal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Nowshera, Swabi, and Peshawar from August 29 to 31.
Synoptic Situation and Weather System
The PMD explained that the current synoptic situation involves a deep monsoon depression located over Nagarparkar and adjacent coastal areas of Sindh. This system is likely to move west or southwest over the next 24 hours. Due to this weather pattern, strong monsoon currents are expected to continue penetrating the country, particularly affecting the southern parts of Sindh. A westerly wave is also likely to impact the upper regions of the country starting from August 29, potentially intensifying the rainfall.
Weather Outlook for August 28, 2024
For today, August 28, monsoon rains are forecasted to affect most parts of Sindh, with scattered rainfall expected in eastern and southern Balochistan, Punjab, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. Heavy falls are anticipated in lower Sindh, eastern Balochistan, and northeast Punjab.
Rainfall Statistics for the Past 24 Hours
In the last 24 hours, monsoon rains, including isolated heavy downpours, were recorded across Punjab, Islamabad, Sindh, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Significant rainfall measurements include Multan Airport with 109 mm, Mithi in Tharparkar with 71 mm, and Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Hadeed with 62 mm.
Other notable rainfall recordings include 45 mm in Delhi, Tharparkar, 62 mm in Karachi (Gulshan-e-Hadeed), and 26 mm in Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Temperature and Future Outlook
The highest maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were 44°C in Dalbandin, Nokkundi, and Sibbi, and 43°C in Turbat.
Looking ahead, the PMD has urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in anticipation of continued heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Emergency services are on high alert to respond to any incidents caused by these weather conditions.
Residents are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, especially in flood-prone areas, and follow instructions from local authorities to ensure safety. The government and disaster management agencies are on standby to assist with relief efforts and ensure the safety and well-being of the public during this challenging time.