Islamabad, August 8, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted a new monsoon spell that will bring widespread rains across the country from August 9 to 12, 2024. According to the Pakistan Met, strong monsoon currents are expected to penetrate from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal into the upper and central parts of Pakistan, leading to a series of rain showers with occasional gaps.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Pakistan Met provided detailed predictions for various regions:
• Kashmir: Rain, wind, and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Mirpur from August 9 to 12.
• Punjab/Islamabad: Scattered heavy falls are anticipated in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and other areas during the same period. Southern Punjab, including Bahawalpur and Multan, may experience isolated heavy showers on August 10 and 11.
• Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: The province is expected to receive rain, wind, and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls in regions such as Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Dera Ismail Khan from August 9 to 12.
• Balochistan: Rain and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are predicted in Khuzdar, Lasbela, Kalat, and other areas from August 9 (evening) to 12.
• Sindh: Isolated rain and thundershowers are expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and other regions from August 9 (evening) to 11.
• Gilgit-Baltistan: Partly cloudy to cloudy weather with rainfall activity is expected in areas such as Skardu and Gilgit during the same period.
Potential Impacts and Advisories
The Pakistan Met has issued several warnings regarding the potential impacts of this monsoon spell:
1. Flash Flooding: Heavy rains may trigger flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan from August 9 to 12.
2. Urban Flooding: Low-lying areas of major cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Peshawar may face urban flooding.
3. Landslides: Vulnerable hilly areas in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan may experience landslides, potentially leading to road closures.
4. Damage to Structures: Heavy downpours, windstorms, and lightning could damage weak structures, including roofs, electric poles, and vehicles.
The Pakistan Met advises farmers to manage their activities in accordance with the weather forecast and urges travelers and tourists to exercise caution during the wet spell. Authorities are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situations during this period.
