ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a fresh and powerful spell of monsoon rains across much of the country from July 29 to Aug. 5 and warned of urban flooding, flash floods, and landslides.
The PMD said moisture-laden monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal will enter the country’s upper and central regions from July 29. A new western weather system is expected to intensify over these areas from Aug. 1, increasing the likelihood of heavy rainfall.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, intermittent rain is forecast from the night of July 28 through Aug. 5, including in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Rawalakot, and surrounding areas.
Heavy rain is expected in Islamabad and Punjab from July 29 to Aug. 4, including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and several other districts.
Southern Punjab, including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur, is likely to receive thunderstorms and rain between July 31 and Aug. 3.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, strong winds and rain are forecast from July 29 to Aug. 5, affecting Peshawar, Swat, Malakand, Hazara Division, and nearby districts.
Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall from the night of July 28 until Aug. 6, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, and surrounding areas.
Rain is also forecast in parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Gwadar, from the night of July 31 to Aug. 3.
Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana, is expected to receive rain from the night of July 31 through Aug. 2.
The weather department warned of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Peshawar between July 30 and Aug. 4. It also warned of waterlogging in several cities across Sindh, including Nawabshah, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas.
The PMD also warned of landslides in the mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Flash floods may occur in streams and hill torrents across Kashmir, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dera Ghazi Khan, and parts of Balochistan, the department said.
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Strong winds and thunderstorms could damage vulnerable buildings, solar panels, and electricity infrastructure.
The PMD advised tourists to exercise caution while traveling and urged farmers to take measures to protect crops and livestock. It also directed relevant authorities to remain on high alert and prepare for possible emergencies.
