ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain, windstorms and thunderstorms across most parts of the country over the next few days, warning of possible urban flooding, landslides and flash floods in vulnerable areas.
According to the PMD, moist currents from the Arabian Sea have already entered the upper parts of Pakistan, while moisture from the Bay of Bengal is expected to reach northeastern regions from Monday evening. A westerly weather system is also likely to affect the country’s upper areas from Monday night.
Rain Forecast for Upper Pakistan
The weather department said Azad Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive intermittent rain, thunderstorms and windstorms from Monday night through Wednesday in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain accompanied by strong winds and isolated heavy downpours is forecast from Monday night to Wednesday for Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu. Similar conditions are expected to begin in Waziristan, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan on Tuesday.
Across Punjab and Islamabad, scattered rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected from Monday night to Wednesday in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sahiwal, Jhang, Okara and several other districts. Southern Punjab is likely to experience similar weather from Tuesday through Wednesday.
Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday and Wednesday, particularly in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
In Balochistan, isolated rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Musakhel, Nasirabad, Harnai, Sibi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar from Tuesday night to Wednesday.
Sindh to Remain Hot and Humid
The PMD said most parts of Sindh will continue to experience hot and humid weather. However, isolated rain and thunderstorms are likely in Tharparkar, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Qambar Shahdadkot and Naushahro Feroze on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Flooding and Landslide Warnings
The Meteorological Department warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.
The department also cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, while hill torrents are expected to intensify in Dera Ghazi Khan.
Urban flooding is likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad during Tuesday and Wednesday.
The PMD advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and urged farmers to plan agricultural activities in accordance with the weather forecast, adding that prevailing hot and humid conditions are expected to ease during the forecast period.
PDMA Issues Precautionary Advisory
Following the weather alert, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) directed district administrations to take preventive measures to minimize loss of life, livestock, crops and infrastructure.
The authority instructed local administrations to identify vulnerable areas, maintain emergency preparedness, ensure smooth traffic flow, keep major roads open, and coordinate with municipal agencies to deal with possible urban flooding and landslides.
The PDMA also advised the public to remain indoors during severe weather, seek shelter in sturdy buildings, and avoid visiting rivers, streams and overcrowded tourist destinations during the ongoing monsoon spell.
