Key Takeaways
- The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts strong winds, thunderstorms, and rain in several parts of Pakistan from the weekend.
- Karachi and Lahore are expected to experience showers and rain from September 14 to 17.
- Heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding and trigger lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory warning of strong winds, thunderstorms, and rain in several parts of Pakistan from the weekend, with particular emphasis on Karachi and Lahore.
Karachi is expected to receive showers from Sunday evening/night through September 16, while Lahore is forecast to see rain from September 14 to 17.
The PMD stated that monsoon currents are penetrating the upper parts of the country, and a westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper regions during the weekend, intensifying from Monday, September 14.
In Sindh, most districts are expected to remain hot and humid, with isolated heavy showers possible in Karachi, Jacobabad, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, and Sukkur from the evening/night of September 13 to September 16.
In Punjab, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected from September 14 to 17 in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Bahawalpur, and several other districts.
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore and other major cities, particularly between September 14 and 17, with Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Murree, Galiyat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Faisalabad also at risk.
In Kashmir, rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected intermittently from September 12 to 17, with isolated heavy rain and hail possible. Similar conditions are forecast in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan during the period.
The department warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in streams and local rivers in mountainous areas and potentially damage vulnerable infrastructure. There is also a risk of lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
The PMD advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel in mountainous areas, stay away from electricity poles, billboards, and trees during strong winds, and take necessary precautions. Farmers have also been advised to adjust their activities according to the expected weather conditions.
