The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a comprehensive forecast predicting intense monsoon rains across the country from August 1 to 6, with potential impacts varying by region. This alert comes as strong monsoon currents are anticipated to penetrate from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. The PMD’s detailed forecast highlights several areas that will be significantly affected, urging preparedness and caution from residents and authorities alike.
Starting from the night of July 31, the weather system is expected to bring heavy rain, wind, and thunderstorms to various parts of Pakistan. The Met Office reports that Sindh, including cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, will experience rain with scattered heavy showers and isolated very heavy falls from August 2 to 6. This region is likely to see significant rainfall, potentially leading to localized flooding and disruptions. Similarly, the southern parts of Punjab, including Bahawalpur and Multan, will also be impacted by heavy rains during the same period.
In Kashmir, the Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and surrounding areas will witness rain, wind, and thundershowers with occasional heavy falls from the night of July 31 through August 6. This could lead to flash flooding in local streams and nullahs, posing a risk to infrastructure and agricultural land. The PMD advises caution and preparedness in these regions to mitigate potential damage.
The forecast for Islamabad and Rawalpindi indicates rain and thundershowers with scattered heavy falls from August 1 to 6. Residents in these areas should expect possible urban flooding, particularly in low-lying regions. In Punjab, cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala will see similar weather patterns, with heavy rainfall likely to cause disruptions and localized flooding. The northern regions of KP, including Peshawar, Swat, and Chitral, will also experience rain with occasional heavy falls from August 1 to 6, increasing the risk of flash flooding and landslides in hilly areas.
Balochistan will face rain-wind and thundershower conditions, with few heavy falls expected from August 2 to 6. Cities such as Quetta, Kalat, and Khuzdar are likely to experience significant weather impacts. These conditions may lead to flash floods in local streams and hill torrents, affecting transportation and infrastructure.
Gilgit-Baltistan is forecasted to remain partly cloudy to cloudy, with rainfall expected from the evening of August 3 to 6. The region might experience occasional heavy falls, but overall, the weather impact is anticipated to be less severe compared to other areas.
The PMD has issued specific warnings regarding potential impacts of the anticipated weather system. Flash flooding is expected in local nullahs and streams, particularly in regions such as Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, and parts of KP. Urban flooding is a significant concern in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, especially in low-lying areas. Landslides are also a risk in hilly areas, including parts of KP, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The forecasted heavy downpours and strong winds could affect daily routines and infrastructure, with potential damage to weak structures like roofs and electric poles. The PMD advises farmers to adjust their activities based on the weather forecast to prevent losses. Travelers and tourists are urged to remain vigilant and plan their trips according to the prevailing weather conditions to avoid any unforeseen issues.
In light of these anticipated conditions, the PMD has called on all concerned authorities to stay alert and take necessary precautions to manage the impacts of the intense monsoon rains. The department emphasizes the importance of preparedness to minimize the effects of potential flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected populations.