The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that monsoon currents will continue to penetrate the country from the Bay of Bengal. Additionally, a westerly trough is affecting the upper parts of the country and is expected to persist in the coming days.
Anticipated Rainfall in Various Regions
Under the influence of these weather systems, the following regions are expected to experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy falls from 22nd to 26th July:
Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan:
Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar.
Punjab:
Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kasur, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, Okara.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan.
Other Expected Rainfall Areas
In other regions, rainfall with isolated heavy falls is anticipated during this period:
Balochistan:
Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, Panjgur.
Southern Punjab and Sindh:
Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Khanewal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta, Karachi.
Potential Hazards and Advisory
The heavy rainfall during this monsoon may lead to several hazards:
Urban Flooding:
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Lahore may face urban flooding in low-lying areas from 22nd to 26th July.
Landslides:
Vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are at risk of landslides during the period.
Flash Flooding:
Kashmir, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad could experience flash floods from 22nd to 26th July. In addition, hill torrents may occur in Dera Ghazi Khan and adjacent areas of northeast Balochistan on 22nd and 23rd July.
Water Logging:
Low-lying areas of Karachi and Hyderabad may suffer from water logging from 22nd to 24th July.
Advice for Farmers, Tourists, and General Public
Farmers are advised to consider the weather forecast while planning their agricultural activities. Tourists and travelers are encouraged to exercise extra caution to avoid any untoward situations during this wet spell.
Precautions During Wind-Storms and Heavy Rains
The general public is advised to stay safe during wind-storms and heavy rains, as loose structures like electric poles and solar panels may be damaged.
All concerned authorities have been alerted to take necessary precautionary measures during the forecast period.
