The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting the arrival of monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea, which are expected to reach the upper and central regions of the country starting from today (Tuesday). The PMD warns that these currents will gain strength on July 19, resulting in widespread rainfall across Pakistan.
Impending Monsoon Season and Precautionary Measures
As Pakistan braces itself for another challenging monsoon season, which has already claimed nearly 100 lives since June 25, all relevant authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant during the predicted period.
Weather Systems and Their Impact
According to the latest advisory from the PMD, the influence of these new weather systems will bring rain, wind, and thunderstorms, accompanied by heavy downpours. The following regions are expected to be affected:
- Kashmir: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur
- Gilgit Baltistan: Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar
- Murree and Galliyat
- Islamabad and Rawalpindi
- Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal
- Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kasur, Mianwali, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal
- Bahawalnagar, Okara
- Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur
- Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, D.I Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan
These regions can expect intermittent periods of rainfall between July 18 (night) and 23.
Additionally, the following regions may experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms between July 19 (night) and 21, with intermittent breaks:
- Barkhan, Loralai, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbella, Awaran, Musakhel
- DG Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan
- Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad
Weather Forecast for Sindh Province
Sindh province is likely to witness dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain, including isolated heavy downpours, in the districts of Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu from July 19 (evening/night) to 23.
Moreover, the districts of Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta, and Karachi may experience dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain, including isolated heavy falls, from July 20 to 22, with intermittent breaks.
Warnings and Precautions
The PMD has issued a warning of possible urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore between July 18 (night) and 22. Landslides are also a concern in vulnerable areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and the hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this period.
Advice for Farmers, Tourists, and Travelers
Farmers are advised to plan their activities in accordance with the weather forecast, while tourists and travelers are urged to exercise extra caution to avoid any untoward incidents during this rainy period.
