Islamabad, August 9, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an urgent warning of imminent flash flooding across numerous parts of the country due to heavy rainfall expected in the coming days. The alert highlights the risk of flash floods in local nullahs and streams across several regions from tonight through August 11.
The PMD forecast includes potential flash flooding in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Narowal, Jhelum, Gujarat, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Hafizabad, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, Karak, and Kashmir. Urban flooding is also a concern, with low-lying areas in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Mardan, Nowshera, and Peshawar at high risk.
Additionally, the PMD warns of possible landslides that could lead to road closures in vulnerable hilly areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The department attributes the adverse weather conditions to monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, which are currently penetrating the upper parts of the country and are expected to spread to central regions starting tomorrow. A westerly wave is also impacting the upper areas, contributing to the forecasted conditions.
For Saturday, August 10, 2024, the PMD predicts rain with wind and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy falls, in Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Northeast Punjab, the Potohar region, and Islamabad. Rain-windstorms are also anticipated in isolated areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, South and Central Punjab, Northeast and South Balochistan, and Southeast and Upper Sindh.
On Friday, August 9, 2024, similar conditions are expected with rain and thunderstorms likely in Kashmir, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Northeast Punjab, the Potohar region, and Islamabad. Isolated places in South Punjab, Northeast and South Balochistan, and Southeast Sindh may also experience rain and thunderstorms.
In the past 24 hours, isolated rain and thunderstorms occurred in North Balochistan, Punjab, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Southeast Sindh, while the rest of the country experienced hot and humid weather. Notable rainfall recorded includes Barkhan with 35 mm, Sahiwal with 35 mm, and Nokkundi with a high temperature of 46°C.
The PMD advises the public to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of potential flooding and landslides.
