Islamabad, September 21, 2024 – Pakistan is expected to receive much-needed rainfall and thundershowers starting next week, following a weeklong hot and dry spell. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast significant weather changes, with moist currents from the Bay of Bengal expected to impact various parts of Pakistan. Additionally, a westerly wave is anticipated to approach the upper regions of Pakistan by September 26, 2024, bringing widespread rainfall.
According to the PMD, these weather systems will affect various provinces, particularly in the northern and central parts of Pakistan. The forecast suggests that starting from September 25, moisture-laden winds will enter the upper regions, leading to rain, thunderstorms, and even isolated heavy showers in specific areas.
Rainfall Forecast by Region
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):
Rain, accompanied by wind and thundershowers, is predicted for multiple districts in KP from September 26 (evening/night) to October 1. Areas expected to receive rainfall include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Kurram, and Orakzai. Meanwhile, districts such as Hangu, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, and Dera Ismail Khan will likely experience showers from September 27 to October 1, with brief gaps in between.
Punjab and Islamabad:
The federal capital Islamabad and its adjoining regions in Punjab are also forecasted to receive rain and thunderstorms from September 26 (evening/night) to October 1. Cities like Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Narowal will be most affected. Southern Punjab districts, including Sahiwal, Faisalabad, and Sargodha, are likely to witness rainfall from September 27 to October 1.
Kashmir:
The picturesque valleys of Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and other areas, are expected to receive steady rain and wind-driven showers from September 26 to October 2. The rains in Kashmir could potentially intensify as the system progresses, bringing cooler temperatures to the region.
Gilgit-Baltistan:
Gilgit-Baltistan is also set to experience wet weather, with rain and thunderstorms forecasted from September 26 to October 2. Districts like Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, and Hunza will likely witness rainfall, potentially affecting local travel routes.
Sindh and Balochistan:
In contrast to the northern and central regions, hot and dry weather is expected to persist in most parts of Sindh and Balochistan. However, isolated areas in Sindh’s Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, and Umerkot may experience rain and thunderstorms from September 26 to 28. Most of Balochistan will remain dry throughout the forecast period.
Possible Impacts
Heavy rainfall may increase water flow in streams and nullahs across northern regions, including Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, and parts of Kashmir. Urban flooding is also a concern in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot during the wet spell.
The PMD has also warned of potential landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These landslides could disrupt road networks, posing risks to travelers and local residents.
Windstorms and lightning during the forecasted period may damage weak structures, such as kacha houses, electric poles, and billboards. Farmers have been advised to plan their activities carefully, keeping the weather forecast in mind.
Advisories for Travelers and Authorities
Tourists and travelers heading to northern regions are urged to exercise caution and adjust their plans according to weather conditions. Authorities are advised to remain on high alert and take preventive measures to avoid any untoward situations. The PMD has also assured that it will provide timely updates if any significant changes occur in the weather forecast.
The upcoming rains are expected to bring relief from the scorching heat, but they may also pose challenges due to potential flooding and landslides, especially in vulnerable areas.
