Islamabad, July 28, 2023 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert, forecasting vigorous monsoon activity across the country during the next three days.
The meteorological office warns that the ongoing monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, coupled with a westerly wave in the upper and central parts of Pakistan, will bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to various regions.
According to the PMD’s forecast, the following areas are expected to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers with occasional heavy falls from the night of 27th July to 30th July:
• In Kashmir: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
• In Gilgit Baltistan: Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar.
• In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, and Waziristan.
• In Punjab: Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kasur, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, and Okara.
Additionally, regions including Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, Mastung, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Khanewal, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan are expected to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers with a few heavy falls on the night of 27th and 28th July.
The meteorological office has issued several warnings and advisories to the public in light of the expected monsoon activity:
• Risk of Flash Flooding and Hill Torrents: Heavy rains may cause flash flooding in Balochistan and hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan on 27th (night) and 28th July. Similarly, regions in Kashmir, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, including the notorious Lai Nullah, may face flooding from 27th (night) to 29th July.
• Urban Flooding and Landslides: Low-lying areas in cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Faisalabad are at risk of urban flooding during the same period. Vulnerable hilly areas in Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also experience landslides.
• Precautions for Farmers: Farmers are advised to consider the weather forecast while planning their agricultural activities.
• Safety Measures for Tourists and Travelers: Tourists and travelers are urged to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to avoid any potential risks during the wet spell.
• Protection against Wind and Thunderstorm Damage: Loose structures, such as electric poles and solar panels, may be damaged during wind-thunderstorms.
• Staying at Safe Places: The general public is advised to seek safe shelter during wind-storms, lightning, and heavy rains.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department advises everyone to stay informed about weather updates and take appropriate safety measures to mitigate the impact of the anticipated monsoon activity during the specified period.
Weather Update: Heavy Rains May Cause Flash Flooding in Balochistan – July 27, 2023