Key Takeaways
- The Met Office predicts strong monsoon currents will enter upper and central parts of Pakistan.
- Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan are expected to experience heavy rainfall from July 18 to July 25.
- Authorities have been advised to take precautionary measures due to potential landslides and flash flooding.
The Meteorological Office has issued a warning for a prolonged spell of monsoon rainfall across Pakistan, with strong currents from the Arabian Sea expected to intensify over the weekend. The forecast indicates that several regions will experience heavy rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms.
Kashmir is predicted to receive scattered heavy to very heavy falls from July 18 to July 25, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts are likely to face similar conditions from July 19 to July 23. Punjab and Islamabad will also experience rain, windstorms, and thundershowers during the same period. Southern Punjab may receive heavy rain from July 20 to July 24.
Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to face rain, thunderstorms, and moderate to heavy falls from July 18 to July 25, while parts of north and northeastern Balochistan will experience thundershowers from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23. Sindh, however, will remain mostly hot and humid with isolated rain and thundershowers possible in several districts.
The Met Office has warned that windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as solar panels, electric poles, and billboards. Landslides could affect vulnerable areas in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir. Flash flooding is likely to occur in local streams and nullahs in these regions.
Urban flooding may also be a concern in major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, and Faisalabad. The Met Office has advised tourists and travellers to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the wet spell.
Farmers have been urged to plan crop activities carefully and protect livestock. Authorities have been asked to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situations. The warning comes as a reminder for all stakeholders to prepare adequately for the impending weather conditions.
