PMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms across Pakistan from Aug 17-21

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday forecast rain-wind’/thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls across several parts of the country from August 17 to 21, warning of possible urban flooding and flash floods in vulnerable areas.

According to the weather advisory issued on August 16, a monsoon system is likely to bring rain to Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected in Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Malakand, Buner, Mohmand, Bajaur and surrounding areas, with isolated heavy falls likely at some places.

Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha and Khushab, are also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms.

The department said Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan would experience rain-wind/thunderstorms from August 16-21 and August 18-21, respectively, with isolated heavy rainfall expected at some locations.

Parts of Sindh and Balochistan may also receive rain and thunderstorms during the forecast period, although the intensity and coverage will be comparatively limited.

The PMD advised tourists and travellers to remain cautious in vulnerable areas, particularly mountainous regions, and urged farmers to take necessary precautions in view of the expected weather conditions.

It also warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas and flash floods in vulnerable mountainous and hill-torrent regions.

The advisory comes as the latest flood bulletin from the PMD’s Flood Forecasting Division also forecasts widespread rain-wind/thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls over upper Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and upper KP during August 17-19.

The department said flows in major rivers and associated tributaries are expected to increase, while the Ravi and Chenab could occasionally reach low flood levels during the period. Nullahs associated with the Ravi and Chenab may reach low to medium flood levels, with occasional high flood levels possible.