The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an urgent weather alert, forecasting heavy monsoon rains across the country from August 1st to August 6th, with varying intensities and occasional gaps. Citizens are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed about weather updates during this period.
Monsoon Forecast Overview
The strong monsoon currents are expected to penetrate from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, affecting various regions from July 31st (night) onward. Here's a detailed forecast for different regions:
Kashmir
- Regions Affected: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur.
- Forecast: Rain, wind, and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls from July 31st (night) to August 6th.
Punjab/Islamabad
- Regions Affected: Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan, Layyah.
- Forecast: Rain, wind, and thundershowers with scattered heavy and isolated very heavy falls from August 1st to August 6th.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Regions Affected: Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan.
- Forecast: Rain, wind, and thundershowers with scattered heavy and isolated very heavy falls from August 1st (evening/night) to August 6th.
Balochistan
- Regions Affected: Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Panjgur, Ketch, Kalat, Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Mastung, Sibbi, Shirani, Kohlu, Bolan, Harnai, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Makran coast.
- Forecast: Rain, wind, and thundershowers with a few heavy falls from August 2nd (evening/night) to August 6th.
Sindh
- Regions Affected: Mithi, Sanghar, Mitayari, Nausheroferoz, Jamshoro, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Khairpur, Thatta, Badin, Chhor, Padidan, Sajawal, Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu.
- Forecast: Rain, wind, and thundershowers with scattered heavy and isolated very heavy falls from August 2nd (night) to August 6th.
Gilgit-Baltistan
- Regions Affected: Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar.
- Forecast: Mainly partly cloudy to cloudy weather with expected rainfall from August 3rd (evening/night) to August 6th.
Potential Impacts
The anticipated heavy monsoon rains may lead to significant impacts across various regions, including:
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Flash Flooding: Localized flash flooding is possible in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Bunner, Bannu, Kurram, Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, Orakzai, Khyber, Mohmand, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Northeast Punjab, Hill torrents of D.G Khan, and Kashmir from August 2nd to 5th.
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Urban Flooding: Heavy downpours may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Nowshera, and Peshawar from August 2nd to 5th. Similar conditions are expected in low-lying areas of Sindh on August 4th and 5th.
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Landslides: Landslides may result in road closures in vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during this wet period.
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Structural Damage: Heavy rain, windstorms, and lightning may damage weak structures, including roofs, walls of Kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.
Safety Precautions
The PMD urges all residents to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions during this period:
- Farmers: Manage agricultural activities considering the weather forecast to prevent crop damage.
- Travellers and Tourists: Exercise caution and plan travel according to weather conditions to avoid any untoward incidents.
- Local Authorities: Stay alert and take necessary measures to prevent potential hazards, ensuring public safety.
Stay Informed
For continuous updates and weather forecasts, visit the official PMD website at www.pmd.gov.pk. Stay tuned to local news channels and social media platforms for real-time information.
