PMD forecasts prolong wet spell across large parts of country

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecast a prolonged wet spell across large parts of the country from this weekend, with monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea set to strengthen and a western disturbance approaching upper regions on Monday.

Under the influence of these systems, rain coupled with windstorms and thundershowers – at times heavy to very heavy – is expected to lash Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, northeast Balochistan and isolated areas of Sindh between July 18 and July 25, with occasional gaps.

In Kashmir, heavy downpours are predicted from the evening or night of July 18 through July 25. Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur will all experience scattered heavy to very heavy falls.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will see intense rain and windstorms from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23. The affected districts include Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, D.I. Khan, Bannu, Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu.

Punjab and Islamabad will receive widespread rain with scattered heavy to very heavy falls. From the evening or night of July 19 to July 23, the weather will impact Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot and Okara.

From July 20 to July 24, heavy falls are also expected in Noor Pur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, D.G. Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur.

Gilgit-Baltistan will see moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms from the evening or night of July 18 to July 25, affecting Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.

In Balochistan, isolated heavy falls are forecast for northern and northeastern parts from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23. Areas include Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar.

Sindh will remain predominantly hot and very humid, though isolated rain and windstorms may occur in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu and Jacobabad from the evening or night of July 20 to July 24.

The Met Office warned of possible damage from windstorms and lightning to weak structures such as solar panels, electric poles and billboards throughout the period. Landslides are likely in vulnerable hilly areas of upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa – including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Buner, Mansehra and Abbottabad – as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir from July 20 to July 25.

Flash flooding may hit local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree and Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, the hill torrents of D.G. Khan and northeastern Balochistan.

Heavy rainfall could also trigger urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad between July 20 and July 23.

Tourists and travellers have been advised to exercise extra caution and avoid unnecessary journeys during the wet spell. Farmers should adjust their crop activities accordingly and protect livestock. The prevailing hot and humid conditions are likely to subside over the forecast period.

All concerned authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward situation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026