Karachi, July 13, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of heavy rains in northeast Balochistan and the Sulaiman range, prompting concerns of potential flash floods and landslides in the region.
According to the weather forecast of PMD for Sunday, July 14, 2024, hot and dry conditions are expected in most upper parts of the country, with hot and humid weather anticipated in southern regions. However, rain accompanied by windstorms and thundershowers is forecasted for northeast and eastern Punjab, northeast Balochistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. PMD further added that heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in northeast and eastern Punjab.
The synoptic situation described by the PMD indicates that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are influencing upper and central parts of Pakistan. Additionally, a trough of westerly wave is affecting the northern regions, contributing to the unsettled weather patterns.
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, widespread rain, windstorms, and thundershowers were reported in Punjab, scattered across northeast Balochistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with isolated occurrences in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions prevailed over other parts of the country, the PMD said.
The PMD provided detailed rainfall figures recorded over the past 24 hours, indicating substantial precipitation in various regions: In Punjab, notable figures included Bahawalpur (Airport 50 mm, City 45 mm), Kot Addu 40 mm, and Layyah 20 mm. In Balochistan, Barkhan received 36 mm, Sibbi 10 mm, and Zhob 08 mm. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa reported Dir (lower) 04 mm, Malam Jabba 03 mm, and Saidu Sharif 01 mm. Gilgit-Baltistan recorded Bagrote 02 mm, Astore and Bunji 01 mm respectively.
Today’s highest maximum temperatures were recorded in Turbat, Dalbandin, and Nokkundi at 43°C, with Shaheed Benazirabad following closely at 41°C.
The PMD’s alert underscores the need for residents in the affected regions to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions during adverse weather conditions. Local authorities are advised to initiate preventive measures to mitigate potential risks associated with heavy rainfall, including floods and landslides.