Pakistan Meteorological Department Forecasts Heavy Rainfall and Potential Flooding
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast indicating a significant increase in monsoon rainfall across various regions of Pakistan. Starting from the evening of July 12, monsoon currents originating from the Arabian Sea are expected to penetrate the upper and central parts of the country, intensifying on July 14. Additionally, a westerly wave is anticipated to enter the upper regions on the evening of July 14.
During this period, the following areas are likely to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers with occasional heavy falls:
Upper and Central Parts:
Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur, as well as Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kasur, and Okara. This weather pattern is expected from the evening/night of July 12 to July 17.
Gilgit Baltistan and Surrounding Areas:
Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, D.I Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, Mianwali, Khusab, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh. Rain, wind, and thundershowers are expected from the evening/night of July 13 to July 17.
Southern and Western Parts:
Barkhan, Loralai, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbella, Awaran, Musakhel, D.G Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Nagarparkar, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, and Mirpur Khas. Rain and wind are anticipated from the evening/night of July 14 to July 16.
The heavy rainfall during this period may lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore from July 14 to July 17. Moreover, the hilly areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are prone to landslides, and caution is advised.
Farmers are advised to take necessary precautions in their activities considering the weather forecast. Tourists and travelers are urged to exercise extra caution to avoid any unforeseen circumstances during this wet spell. It is important to note that loose structures such as electric poles and solar panels may be susceptible to damage from dust storms and wind-thunderstorms.
The general public is advised to remain in safe places during heavy rains and windstorms. Relevant authorities have been alerted to stay vigilant and take appropriate precautionary measures during this forecasted period.