Islamabad, August 23, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a significant weather advisory, warning of a new monsoon rain spell set to affect Karachi and other parts of the country from August 26, 2024. According to the PMD, torrential rains are expected in the southern regions from August 26 to 29, 2024.
The PMD reported that a low-pressure system currently located over West Bengal is likely to move westward in the coming days, approaching southern parts of Pakistan by August 25. This system is expected to bring strong monsoon currents, significantly impacting the weather across several provinces.
Predicted Weather Conditions Across Regions
Sindh: The PMD forecasts rain-wind/thundershowers with heavy to very heavy rainfall in Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Shaheed Benazirabad, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tharparkar, Nagarparkar, Mithi, Mirpur Khas, Umarkot, Matiari, Sanghar, Sukkur, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Khairpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Naushero Feroze from the night of August 25 to August 29.
Balochistan: Rain-wind/thundershowers with heavy falls are expected in Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbella, Awaran, Naseerabad, Sibbi, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Harnai, Dera Bugti, Zhob, Quetta, Ziarat, Sherani, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Loralai, Mastung, Bolan, Jhal Magsi, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, and Ormara from August 26 to August 30.
Punjab and Islamabad: The PMD predicts rain-wind/thundershowers with heavy falls in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, and Rahimyar Khan from the night of August 25 to August 28.
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan: Rain-wind/thundershowers with heavy falls are anticipated in various parts of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from August 25 to August 28.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: Rain-wind/thundershowers are forecasted in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan from August 26 to August 28.
Potential Impacts and Precautions
The PMD has highlighted several potential impacts due to the heavy rains, including urban flooding in low-lying areas of Sindh, Balochistan, southern Punjab, and major cities like Islamabad and Lahore. There is also a risk of flash flooding in local streams and hill torrents in D.G. Khan, Dadu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Jaffarabad, and other regions.
Landslides are a concern in hilly areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The PMD has urged farmers to plan their activities accordingly and advised travelers and tourists to remain cautious.
All concerned authorities have been advised to stay alert and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward incidents during this period.
