The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of a new monsoon spell next week, forecasting widespread rain, wind and thundershowers in several parts of the country.
In an advisory, the PMD has said monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are already penetrating the upper regions, while moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are likely to strengthen from Aug. 17. It said a westerly wave currently affecting the country’s north is expected to intensify the same day.
From Aug. 14-17, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), upper Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to receive rain-wind/thundershowers with scattered heavy falls.
Regional forecast
AJK/Gilgit-Baltistan: Widespread rain-wind/thundershowers (with scattered heavy falls) predicted in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from Aug. 18-21. In Gilgit-Baltistan, areas such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar will see rain-wind/thunderstorms from Aug. 18-21.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu and Karak are expected to receive widespread rain-wind/thundershowers from Aug. 18-21. Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan will see scattered rains in the same period.
Punjab/Islamabad: Widespread rain-wind/thundershowers are forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad and Sahiwal from Aug. 18-21. DG Khan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan may also see scattered showers.
Balochistan: Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar and Panjgur are likely to experience rain-wind/thundershowers from Aug. 18 to 22.
Sindh: Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur and Jacobabad will receive rain-wind/thundershowers between Aug. 18 and 22.
Advisories
The PMD has warned of possible flash floods in local streams and nullahs in parts of KP, Punjab, Islamabad, Murree, Galliyat and AJK as a result of the rains from Aug. 15-21, and in hill torrents of DG Khan and eastern Balochistan from Aug. 18-21.
Urban flooding is possible in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar and Nowshera. Landslides and mudslides may disrupt roads in hilly areas, while windstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, electric poles, billboards and vehicles.
The PMD has advised the public, travelers and tourists to avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable areas and stay updated on the latest weather conditions. Authorities have also been urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions to prevent any untoward situation.