Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across northern Pakistan as the PMD warns of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, wind and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls across several parts of Pakistan, warning that intense rainfall could trigger urban and flash flooding in vulnerable areas.
According to the PMD, rain, wind and thundershowers are expected in Islamabad, the Pothohar region, northeast Punjab, Kashmir, upper and central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Gilgit-Baltistan. Heavy rainfall is also likely in several locations, while hot and humid weather is expected to persist across other parts of the country.
Similar weather conditions are forecast during the period, with further rainfall expected across northern and northeastern areas.
PMD issues flooding warning
The weather department warned that heavy rainfall on August 19 and 20 could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore.
Heavy rainfall may also trigger flash flooding in local nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat and Islamabad-Rawalpindi.
The PMD further cautioned that landslides could occur in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir during the forecast period.
Residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been advised to remain alert, as intense rainfall could place additional pressure on urban drainage systems and local waterways.
Monsoon currents affecting upper Pakistan
According to the PMD’s synoptic situation, monsoon currents are penetrating the upper parts of the country, while a westerly wave is also affecting the region.
The interaction of these weather systems is expected to maintain unsettled conditions across northern and northeastern Pakistan, increasing the likelihood of further rainfall and thunderstorms.
Islamabad receives heavy rainfall
Widespread rain, wind and thundershowers were recorded in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Pothohar region during the previous 24 hours, while scattered rainfall was reported in northeast Punjab, upper KP and Kashmir.
Several locations received heavy rainfall.
In Islamabad, Saidpur recorded 90mm, followed by Golra with 81mm, Zero Point with 78mm and Bokra with 70mm.
In Rawalpindi, Pirwadhai received 67mm, New Kattarian 59mm, Shamsabad 55mm, Katcheri 47mm and Gawalmandi 6mm.
Lahore Airport recorded 65mm, while Gujranwala received 39mm and Narowal 33mm. Mandi Bahauddin recorded 30mm, Jhelum 20mm, Gujrat 19mm and Sialkot city 11mm.
Murree received 7mm of rain.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Takht Bai recorded 22mm, Parachinar 8mm and Balakot 2mm.
Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions persisted across other parts of the country.
Nokkundi records highest temperature
Despite widespread rainfall in northern areas, temperatures remained exceptionally high in several parts of Pakistan.
Nokkundi recorded the highest maximum temperature at 45°C, followed by Dadu and Dalbandin at 44°C. Chilas recorded a maximum temperature of 43°C.
The PMD advised residents in areas likely to receive heavy rainfall to exercise caution, particularly in locations vulnerable to urban flooding, flash floods and landslides.