Islamabad, July 22, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday issued an alert for strengthening monsoon currents moving towards the upper and central parts of the country.
In a statement, the PMD announced that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are penetrating the upper and central regions of Pakistan and are likely to strengthen from tomorrow (evening/night). Additionally, a trough of a westerly wave is present over the upper parts of the country, exacerbating the situation.
The PMD’s weather forecast for Tuesday, July 23, 2024, predicts rain, windstorms, and thundershowers in Kashmir, Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, east and south Balochistan, and lower Sindh. Isolated heavy rainfall is also expected during this period. Meanwhile, hot and very humid weather is expected in other parts of the country.
The PMD has issued a warning that heavy rains may generate flash flooding in local nullahs and streams in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Malakand, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kurrum, Orakzai, Khyber, Mohmand, Nowshera, Swabi, and Kashmir. Urban flooding is also expected in low-lying areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on July 23 and 24.
Furthermore, landslides may disrupt roads in the vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during this wet period.
For Monday, July 22, 2024, the PMD forecasts hot and very humid weather in most parts of the country. However, rain, windstorms, and thundershowers are likely in Sindh, south and east Balochistan, Kashmir, northeast and south Punjab, Potohar region, Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Reflecting on the weather over the past 24 hours, the PMD reported that hot and humid conditions prevailed in most parts of the country. However, rain, windstorms, and thundershowers occurred at isolated places in south Sindh, northeast Punjab, Potohar region, Kashmir, and north Balochistan.
The recorded rainfall (in millimeters) includes:
• Sindh: Badin 10, Chhor 6, Karachi (Gadap 4, Jinnah Terminal 2, Faisal Base 1, Malir Halt 1, Met Complex 1, MOS 1)
• Punjab: Sialkot (City 39, Airport 19), Narowal 23, Gujrat 21, Islamabad (Saidpur 19, Zero Point 1), Rawalpindi (Chaklala 17, Kacheri 5, Shamsabad 4), Lahore (City 9), Murree 3, Mandi Bahauddin 2, Gujranwala 1
• Kashmir: Kotli 3, Rawalakot 2, Garhidupatta 1
• Balochistan: Zhob 7
Today’s highest recorded maximum temperatures (in degrees Celsius) are: Sibbi 47, Nokkundi 46, Dalbandin 46, Dadu 45, Jacobabad 45, Rohri 45, and Kot Addu 45.
The PMD’s alert underscores the need for preparedness in the face of potential flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The authorities are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating the impact of the anticipated heavy rainfall and associated risks.