PMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall from September 15 to 17, warning of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rain, wind and thunderstorms across several parts of Pakistan, with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms expected in vulnerable areas from September 15 to 17.
According to the latest weather advisory, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, upper Punjab, Islamabad and southeastern Sindh are likely to receive further rain and thunderstorms.
Heavy rainfall and hailstorms may occur at isolated locations in Kashmir, upper KP, southeastern Sindh and upper Punjab. Light rain is also possible at isolated places in southern Punjab, while partly cloudy conditions are expected in other parts of the country.
The PMD has urged residents and authorities to remain alert to possible weather-related hazards during the forecast period.
Urban flooding risk
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of southeastern Sindh, including Tharparkar, Nagarparkar, Islamkot, Mithi, Umerkot, Thatta and Badin.
The risk also extends to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Lahore.
Intense rainfall could overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying and densely populated areas, increasing the risk of water accumulation and disruption to daily activities.
Flash flood and landslide warning
The weather department has also warned of possible flash floods in local streams and nullahs in parts of KP, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra and Abbottabad.
Similar risks have been identified in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Landslides are also possible in hilly areas of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir during the forecast period.
The PMD further cautioned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards.
Weather system affecting Pakistan
According to the PMD’s synoptic situation, a low-pressure area is present over southeast Rajasthan and adjoining north Gujarat and is expected to move further west-southwestwards during the next 24 to 36 hours.
Meanwhile, a westerly wave is affecting the upper and central parts of the country, contributing to the unsettled weather conditions.
The interaction of these weather systems is expected to keep several regions under rain and thunderstorm activity during the advisory period.
Rainfall recorded across Pakistan
During the past 24 hours, isolated rain, wind and thunderstorms were reported in Islamabad, upper Punjab, upper KP, lower Sindh, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, while most other parts of the country remained hot and humid.
Punjab recorded significant rainfall at several locations, with Mandi Bahauddin receiving 41mm and Gujrat 30mm.
Islamabad received 42mm at Bokra, 36mm at Golra and 18mm at Zeropoint, while Rawalpindi recorded 35mm each at Shamsabad and New Kattarian.
In KP, Malam Jabba received 23mm, while Mohmand Dam recorded 12mm. Mithi in Sindh received 14mm, while Muzaffarabad Airport in Kashmir also recorded 14mm.
Despite the rainfall, temperatures remained high in several parts of Pakistan. The highest maximum temperature of 43°C was recorded at Lasbela, Nokkundi and Shaheed Benazirabad.
Mirpurkhas, Sibi, Dalbandin and Turbat each recorded a maximum temperature of 42°C, according to the PMD.