Westerly wave and monsoon currents to trigger severe weather, flash flooding, and landslides in northern regions while southern provinces remain hot and humid.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory forecasting widespread rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms across upper and northern regions of the country as strong monsoon currents continue to penetrate the area.

According to the PMD, a fresh westerly wave is projected to reach the upper regions on 31 August and persist until 5 September, intensifying rainfall and thunderstorm activity across several territories.

Regional Breakdown

Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Heavy downpours accompanied by wind and thunderstorms are expected across Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. The spell is anticipated to begin on the evening of 28 August and continue until 6 September, with intermittent gaps.

Upper Punjab and Islamabad

Rain, wind, and thundershowers featuring isolated heavy falls are forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, and Hafizabad between 29 August and 5 September.

From 1 to 5 September, wet weather will extend to central and southern Punjab districts, including Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, and Pakpattan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Several northern and central districts — including Peshawar, Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur — are expected to experience rain and windstorms from 29 August to 5 September.

Southern districts including Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Waziristan will see intermittent rain between 1 and 4 September.

Gilgit-Baltistan

Intermittent rain, wind, and thundershowers will affect Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from 30 August through to 6 September.

Sindh and Balochistan

In contrast to the northern activity, predominantly hot and humid weather is expected to persist across most parts of Sindh and Balochistan throughout the forecast period.

Hazard Warnings: Urban Flooding and Landslides

Risk Category	Affected Regions	Timeline
Urban Flooding	Low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Lahore	31 August – 5 September
Flash Flooding	Local nullahs and streams in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi	Throughout forecast period
Landslides	Vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir	Throughout forecast period

Advisory for Citizens and Local Authorities

The PMD has strongly advised tourists and travellers to exercise extreme caution, particularly when navigating mountainous roads susceptible to landslips and sudden water surges.

Farmers are urged to align crop management and agricultural planning with the incoming weather pattern to avoid crop damage. Emergency response services and local administrative authorities have been instructed to remain on high alert to mitigate potential damage and ensure public safety during the prolonged wet spell.