WEBDESK: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a new spell of heavy monsoon rains and windstorms across the country starting from 28 July. This will be the fifth spell of monsoon rains in the current season. The authorities have urged both provincial and district administrations to take precautionary steps to prevent damage and loss.
The weather department says that weak monsoon currents are already entering the upper and central parts of Pakistan. These currents are expected to strengthen with the arrival of a westerly weather system on 29 July. As a result, most parts of the country are likely to experience rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds over the coming days.
Monsoon Rains Expected in Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir
The new monsoon rains will first impact northern areas. Intermittent rain, wind, and isolated heavy showers are expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from 27 to 31 July. Areas likely to be affected include Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, as well as Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ghanche and Shigar. In these regions, road blockages caused by landslides and mudslides are likely, and local authorities have been put on alert.
Punjab and Islamabad to Receive Heavy Showers
In Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory, widespread rain and wind are forecast between 28 and 31 July. Cities such as Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Murree are expected to receive scattered heavy rainfall. Southern Punjab districts like Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan will likely see monsoon rains between 29 and 31 July. Urban flooding is a serious concern, especially in low-lying areas of Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot.
Thunderstorms Forecast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rainfall is predicted between 28 and 31 July. The districts likely to be affected include Swat, Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan. The PMD warns of flash flooding in hilly streams, especially in northern KP. Authorities are also monitoring the risk of landslides in mountainous terrain which could disrupt road access and travel.
Balochistan to Witness Rain and Gusty Winds
Rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are also expected in the northeastern and southern parts of Balochistan from the night of 29 July until 31 July. The affected districts may include Barkhan, Loralai, Musakhel, Zhob, Quetta, Sibbi, Dera Bugti, Lasbela, Khuzdar and Awaran. Local authorities have been warned about possible flash floods and structural damage in vulnerable areas.
Rain to Reach Parts of Sindh by Month-End
Most of Sindh is expected to remain hot and humid during the period, but monsoon rains are predicted in some districts on 30 and 31 July. Areas such as Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sukkur, Dadu, Larkana, and Sanghar may experience rain and thunderstorms. Even though the rain will be light, it may break the current situation that has been characterized by dry and humid conditions within the area.
Flash Floods, Urban Flooding and Landslide Risks
The PMD has issued strong warnings for potential flash floods in hill streams of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Balochistan, northeast Punjab and Kashmir between 29 and 31 July. There is also a risk of urban flooding in low-lying city areas from the night of 28 July through to the 31st. Heavy rains and strong winds may damage weak buildings, electricity poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels. Landslides and mudslides may also block key roads in hilly regions, especially in Murree, Galiyat, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.
Precautionary Measures Advised
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab, in coordination with the PMD, has released a joint advisory ahead of the monsoon spell. Emergency response teams have been asked to remain on standby.
They recommend the citizens, particularly those residing in the low lying or mountainous regions to remain vigilant and not to travel without a need during this spell of monsoon rains. Tourists who are also intending to make tours to the regions in the north in this period are also advised to change their plans since the risk of land assets and road blockages is high.
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