The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert for the upcoming monsoon season. According to their latest report, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to penetrate the upper parts of the country. Additionally, a westerly wave is predicted to enter these regions on August 3rd.
Expected Rainfall and Thunderstorms
Under the influence of these weather systems, the following areas are likely to experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms (with isolated heavy falls) from August 2nd (evening/night) to August 7th:
- 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, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal
- Lahore, Sheikhupura
- Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur
- Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera
Potential Risks and Precautions
The heavy rainfall during this period may lead to increased water flow in local Nullahs and streams in various regions, including Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
Urban flooding is also a concern in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore during the same period. Moreover, there is a potential risk of landslides in vulnerable areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Safety Measures for Residents and Travelers
In light of the weather forecast, farmers are advised to manage their agricultural activities carefully. Tourists and travelers are also urged to exercise extra caution during this wet spell to avoid any unforeseen situations.
The general public should stay away from loose structures such as electric poles and solar panels during wind-storms, lightning, or heavy rains. Authorities have been alerted, and everyone is advised to take necessary precautionary measures during the forecast period.
