ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a fresh spell of widespread monsoon rains across the country from July 29 to August 5, warning of urban flooding, flash floods and possible landslides in vulnerable northern regions.
Fresh monsoon system to affect upper and central Pakistan
According to the Met Office, moisture-laden monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal will begin penetrating the country’s upper and central regions from July 29.
A westerly weather system currently affecting northern Pakistan is also expected to strengthen from August 1, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms and heavy downpours to several parts of the country.
Punjab likely to receive heavy rainfall
The PMD said Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad and Sialkot are expected to receive rain and thundershowers from July 29 to August 4, with occasional breaks.
Heavy rainfall is also forecast for Lahore, Narowal, Okara, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Khushab, Mianwali, Layyah, Bhakkar, Noorpur Thal, Sargodha, Sahiwal and Pakpattan.
Southern Punjab districts, including Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Khanpur, Multan, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, are expected to receive rain between July 31 and August 3.
Karachi and Sindh to receive rain from July 31
The weather department said Karachi is likely to receive rainfall from July 31 to August 2.
Other districts expected to receive moderate to heavy rain include Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze and Thatta.
KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on alert
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, widespread rain and thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy falls are expected from July 29 to August 5 in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain is forecast from July 28 to August 6 for Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
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Meanwhile, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, is expected to receive heavy rainfall from July 28 to August 5.
Balochistan also expected to receive showers
The PMD forecast rain and thunderstorms for several parts of Balochistan from the evening of July 31 to August 3, including Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibbi, Kalat, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Ormara, Pasni and Gwadar.
PMD warns of urban flooding and flash floods
The Met Office warned that urban flooding may occur in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad between July 30 and August 4.
In Sindh, cities including Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan and Tando Allahyar could also face urban flooding from July 31 to August 2.
The department further warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods in local streams and hill torrents across Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and northeastern Balochistan.
Landslide and safety advisory
The PMD cautioned that landslides are possible in vulnerable mountainous areas, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Buner, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Murree, Galliyat, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
Authorities also warned that strong winds, lightning and heavy rainfall may damage weak structures, electricity poles, billboards and solar panels.
Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk areas, while farmers have been urged to plan agricultural activities according to the weather forecast and ensure proper care of livestock.
