The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide alert for widespread rain, windstorms, and thundershowers from July 18 to July 25. Driven by monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and an approaching western disturbance, the weather system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding across multiple provinces.
Regional Impact and Rainfall Forecast
The weather system will affect the country in stages, with the PMD detailing specific impacts for each region. Kashmir is set for heavy rainfall beginning the evening of July 18 through July 25, impacting areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and Mirpur. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy to very heavy falls are expected from July 19 to July 23, covering districts such as Swat, Chitral, Peshawar, and North and South Waziristan.
Punjab faces similar conditions, with Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad expected to experience heavy rainfall from July 19 to July 23. Southern and western districts of the province, including Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, are under the forecast for July 20 to 24. Gilgit-Baltistan will see moderate to heavy rain from July 18 to 25, while Balochistan’s eastern and central districts, such as Zhob and Khuzdar, should expect rain and thundershowers from July 19 to 23.
Did You Know? The PMD notes that the current spell of hot and humid weather is expected to subside across the country as these monsoon currents and the western disturbance intensify over the coming week.
Infrastructure and Safety Risks
The PMD has warned of significant hazards resulting from the projected weather. Windstorms and lightning pose a threat to vulnerable infrastructure, specifically solar panels, electric poles, and billboards. Landslides are a concern for upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir between July 20 and 25.
Urban flooding is identified as a high-probability risk for major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, and Faisalabad between July 20 and 23. Additionally, flash flooding is possible in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, and the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.
Guidelines for Travelers and Agriculture
Authorities have advised tourists and travelers to avoid non-essential journeys during the forecast period. Farmers are encouraged to adjust their agricultural activities to account for the incoming rain and ensure livestock are moved to safe, covered areas. The PMD has urged all relevant departments to remain vigilant and implement precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the predicted severe weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions are at the highest risk for urban flooding?
The PMD specifically identified Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, and Faisalabad as areas prone to urban flooding from July 20 to 23.
What weather systems are causing this rainfall?
The rainfall is driven by monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea that are strengthening over the weekend, combined with a western disturbance expected to reach the upper parts of the country on Monday.
Are there specific warnings for the agricultural sector?
Yes, the PMD has urged farmers to manage crop activities according to the weather conditions and to ensure proper care of their livestock during the wet spell.
How are you preparing for the predicted weather changes in your area?
Related reading