Heavy rainfall expected until August 5 as PMD warns of urban flooding, flash floods, landslides and damage from strong winds and lightning.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a fresh spell of widespread monsoon rains across most parts of the country from July 29 to August 5, warning of urban flooding, flash floods, landslides and damage to vulnerable infrastructure due to heavy downpours, windstorms and lightning.
According to the PMD, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are expected to penetrate the upper and central parts of Pakistan from July 29, while a westerly wave currently affecting the northern areas is likely to strengthen from August 1, enhancing rainfall activity across several regions.
Rain forecast by region
Kashmir
Rain, wind and thundershowers, with scattered heavy to very heavy falls, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the night of July 28 until August 5, with occasional gaps.
Punjab and Islamabad
Heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Khushab, Mianwali, Layyah, Bhakkar, Noorpur Thal, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Pakpattan from July 29 to August 4.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Khanpur, Multan, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur from July 31 to August 3.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rain and thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy falls are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu from July 29 to August 5.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from the evening of July 28 until August 6.
Balochistan
Rain and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibbi, Kalat, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Ormara, Pasni and Gwadar from July 31 to August 3.
Sindh
Rain and thundershowers with isolated moderate to heavy falls are likely in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Karachi, Matiari, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze and Thatta from the evening of July 31 until August 2.
PMD warns of flooding and landslides
The weather department warned that urban flooding may occur in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad between July 30 and August 4.
In Sindh, urban flooding is possible in Nawabshah (Shaheed Benazirabad), Sukkur, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan and Tando Allahyar from July 31 to August 2.
The PMD also cautioned that landslides could occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir, while flash floods may develop in local streams and hill torrents across Kashmir, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Dera Ghazi Khan during the forecast period.
Advisory for public and authorities
The PMD warned that heavy rain, strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to exercise caution, while farmers have been urged to plan agricultural activities according to the weather forecast and ensure the safety of their livestock.
The department has also advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimize the risk of loss of life and property during the upcoming spell of monsoon rains.