Islamabad (July 7, 2024) – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an urgent warning, predicting torrential rains that may lead to flash floods on the night of Sunday, July 7, 2024. The department highlighted that the areas at risk include local nullahs and streams in Kashmir, northeastern Balochistan, and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan.
In a statement, the PMD elaborated on the potential for urban flooding in the Pothohar region, Lahore, Sialkot, and Gujranwala during this period. The warning also emphasized the possibility of landslides disrupting roads in the hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Forecast Overview
The PMD’s forecast for Monday, July 8, 2024, indicates that most parts of the country will experience mainly hot and humid weather. However, rain accompanied by wind and thundershowers is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, southern Punjab, the Pothohar region, upper and southern Sindh, and eastern Balochistan.
Synoptic Situation
The PMD explained the current synoptic situation, stating that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating the upper and central parts of the country. Additionally, a westerly wave is affecting most upper regions.
Weather Update for Sunday, July 7, 2024
Rain and thundershowers are expected in upper and southern Punjab, the Pothohar region, upper Sindh, northeastern Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Heavy falls are likely at isolated places in northeastern Balochistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Pothohar region during the evening and night.
Recent Weather Conditions
Over the past 24 hours, several regions experienced rain and windstorms, including Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and northeastern Balochistan. Hot and humid weather prevailed in other parts of the country.
Rainfall Data
The PMD provided detailed rainfall data from various regions. In Punjab, Faisalabad recorded significant rainfall with Dogar Basti receiving 98 mm, Madina Town 97 mm, and Gulistan Colony 96 mm. Other notable rainfall figures include:
• Jhang: 83 mm
• Bahawalnagar: 67 mm
• Bahawalpur: 61 mm (City), 30 mm (Airport)
• Multan: 48 mm (Airport), 31 mm (City)
• Bhakkar: 40 mm
• Sargodha: 35 mm
• Joharabad: 20 mm
• Sheikhupura: 13 mm
• Dera Ghazi Khan: 12 mm
• Layyah, Kasur: 8 mm
• Lahore: 5 mm (Airport), 4 mm (City)
• Hafizabad, Khanpur, Narowal, Sialkot: 5 mm each
• Khanewal: 4 mm
• Okara: 3 mm
• Sahiwal: 2 mm
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Dera Ismail Khan received 28 mm in the city and 7 mm at the airport. Cherat recorded 18 mm, Peshawar 15 mm (Airport) and 13 mm (City), Saidu Sharif 13 mm, Bacha Khan Airport 12 mm, Dir 11 mm (Upper) and 3 mm (Lower), Malam Jabba 2 mm, and Drosh and Kalam 1 mm each.
In Balochistan, Zhob recorded 12 mm, Sibbi 8 mm, and Bar Khan 1 mm. In Kashmir, Muzaffarabad received 4 mm (City) and 2 mm (Airport). Astore in Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 1 mm.
Temperature Data
The highest recorded maximum temperatures yesterday were 45°C in Turbat and Dalbandin, and 44°C in Jacobabad, Sibbi, and Dadu.
As the country braces for potential flash floods and urban flooding, the PMD advises residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.