ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a fresh and powerful spell of monsoon rains across the country from July 29, urging all relevant authorities to remain on high alert for possible weather-related emergencies.
According to the PMD, moisture-laden monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal will affect the country’s upper and central regions, while a strong westerly weather system is expected to enter most parts of Pakistan from August 1, intensifying rainfall.
The department said Azad Jammu and Kashmir is likely to receive intermittent rain and thunderstorms from Tuesday night until August 5, with heavy to very heavy downpours expected at isolated locations.
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is also forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, and most districts of Punjab from July 29 to August 4.
In southern Punjab, including Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rajanpur, rainfall is expected between July 31 and August 3.
Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to experience rain, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy falls from July 29 to August 5, while Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall from Tuesday evening through August 6.
The PMD also forecast rain, with heavy falls at isolated places, in eastern and southern Balochistan from the evening of July 31 to August 3, while several districts of Sindh are expected to receive thunderstorms and rain from the evening of July 31 to August 2.
The weather department warned of urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad between July 30 and August 4.
Low-lying areas in Sindh, including Nawabshah, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Tando Allahyar, may also face inundation.
The PMD further warned of landslides in the mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir from July 30 to August 5. It also cautioned that flash floods could occur in hill torrents across Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northeastern Balochistan.
Strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning may damage vulnerable houses, solar panels, electricity poles, and billboards, the department said.
The PMD advised citizens, tourists, and travelers to avoid unnecessary travel during the adverse weather conditions and follow precautionary measures. Farmers have been urged to plan agricultural activities according to the forecast, while livestock owners have been advised to ensure the safety of their animals.
All relevant authorities have been directed to remain vigilant and complete precautionary measures to effectively respond to any emergency situation.
