ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday forecast a new spell of heavy rain, accompanied by wind and thundershowers, across the upper and central parts of the country from August 29 to September 2, with intermittent breaks.
According to the PMD, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are likely to enter the northern parts of Pakistan starting August 29. Additionally, a westerly wave is expected to reach the upper and central regions by August 30.
These weather systems are likely to bring widespread rainfall, with the possibility of scattered heavy downpours in several areas.
Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan
In Kashmir, widespread rainfall with scattered heavy to very heavy downpours is expected throughout the period, particularly affecting Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
Gilgit-Baltistan, including areas such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, is likely to receive rain with isolated heavy falls between August 30 and September 1.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to experience rain-thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy falls from August 29 to September 1.
Affected areas include Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Islamabad and Central Punjab
In Islamabad and central Punjab, widespread rainfall with scattered heavy to very heavy downpours is predicted from August 29 to September 2.
This includes Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Faisalabad, and surrounding districts.
South Punjab
Southern Punjab districts such as Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Layyah, and Rajanpur may also receive rain with isolated heavy falls during the same period.
Sindh
In Sindh, rain accompanied by wind and thundershowers is expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Dadu, Jacobabad, Sukkur, and Larkana on August 30 and 31.
Balochistan
Meanwhile, parts of Balochistan, including Barkhan, Loralai, Zhob, Khuzdar, and adjoining areas, are likely to receive rain with isolated heavy falls from August 30 to September 1.
Flood alert
The PMD has warned of flash floods in local streams of Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northeast Punjab from August 29 (night) to September 01
Urban flooding may also occur in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan.
Landslides and mudslides are likely in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Azad Kashmir.
Strong winds, heavy falls, and lightning may damage weak structures, including kacha houses, billboards, solar panels, and electric poles.
Weather advisory
The public, travellers, and tourists have been strongly advised to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas, and stay updated on the latest weather reports.
The concerned authorities have been directed to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward situation.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered urgent national-level coordination to tackle the escalating flood crisis as the South Asian country braces for rising water levels in the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers after India releases water.
