PMD predicts nationwide rain, windstorms as strong monsoon currents penetrate Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating the upper and central parts of the country and are likely to strengthen over the weekend.

Furthermore, the Met Office said in a press release on Friday, a western disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on Monday, bringing widespread rain, windstorms, and thundershowers across most regions.

According to the PMD, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will experience rain, windstorms, and thundershowers with scattered heavy to very heavy falls from the evening of July 18 to 25. The wet spell will affect areas including the Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Mirpur in Kashmir, as well as Diamir, Astore, Skardu, and Gilgit.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the Punjab-Islamabad region, the weather system is expected to trigger heavy rainfall between the evening of July 19 and 23. This will impact major cities and districts, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot. Meanwhile, southern Punjab districts, such as Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur, are predicted to experience these conditions from July 20 to 24.

Balochistan will see rain and windstorms with isolated heavy falls in its northern and northeastern parts, including Zhob, Loralai, Sibbi, and Khuzdar, from the evening of July 19 to 23.

In Sindh, while most parts of the province are expected to remain hot and highly humid, isolated rain and thundershowers are likely to provide some relief in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, and Dadu between July 20 and 24.

Karachi is expected to receive light rain and drizzle with partly cloudy overcast this weekend. Temperature in the megacity is expected to drop to minimum 28 C.

The Met Office has issued a stern warning regarding the potential impacts of this weather system. Intense windstorms and lightning may damage weak infrastructure, such as solar panels, electricity poles, and billboards. Landslides may also occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir from July 20 to 25.

Additionally, the heavy downpours are likely to cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, and Faisalabad from July 20 to 23. Heavy rains are also expected to trigger flash flooding in local streams, nullahs, and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.

In light of these predictions, tourists and travellers are advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travelling during the wet spell. Farmers have been urged to manage their agricultural activities and take proper care of their livestock in accordance with the forecast. The PMD noted that the prevailing hot and humid conditions are likely to subside during this period, and all concerned authorities have been advised to remain highly vigilant to avoid any untoward situations.