Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall in several parts of the country until July 25.
- Widespread monsoon rains, windstorms, and thundershowers are expected across various regions.
- Authorities advise caution as strong winds and lightning could cause damage.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory warning of widespread rain, windstorms, and thundershowers affecting several parts of the country until July 25. The department stated that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea were continuously penetrating upper and central regions and would strengthen over the weekend.
In Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur, heavy to very heavy falls are expected from July 18 to July 25. Similar weather conditions with scattered heavy rainfall are anticipated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 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 from July 19 to July 23.
The PMD also warned that rain, windstorms/thundershowers, accompanied by scattered heavy falls, are expected in Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Okara, Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan, and Rajanpur from July 20 to July 24. Heavy rainfall is also expected during this period.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar are forecast to receive rain, windstorms/thundershowers, accompanied by moderate to heavy falls from July 18 to July 25. In Balochistan, northeastern districts of Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, and Khuzdar are expected to experience isolated heavy falls from July 19 to July 23.
The PMD advised that most parts of Sindh would remain hot and very humid. However, isolated rain/thunderstorms were predicted in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu, and Jacobabad from July 20 to July 24.
The department warned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Heavy rainfall was also expected to trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, while urban flooding was possible in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, and Faisalabad from July 20 to July 23.
The PMD urged tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas during the forecast period. It also advised farmers to plan agricultural activities in view of the expected weather conditions. Authorities were asked to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
