A new weather system, bringing westerly waves, is expected to bring rain to the northern regions of Pakistan, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, from October 5 to 8. This system will affect Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and northern Balochistan, while Sindh will continue to face hot and dry conditions.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab has issued instructions for deputy commissioners and local administrations to stay vigilant, ensuring that drainage equipment and personnel are prepared. Residents have been advised to avoid unsafe buildings as the situation is monitored continuously.
Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to raise water levels in local streams in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Shangla, Bajaur, Mohmand, and Khyber. Landslides could disrupt roads in upper KP, Murree, Galliyat, AJK, and GB during this period. Winds and lightning pose risks to weaker structures such as mud houses, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.
The Met Office forecasts rain, thunderstorms, and occasional hailstorms in various districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, and many others from October 5, with rain continuing in some areas through October 8.
In AJK, regions like Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and Mirpur are likely to experience rain and thunderstorms, with similar conditions expected in GB for Diamir, Skardu, and Hunza, among others. KP regions such as Peshawar, Dir, Kohistan, and Chitral are also set to receive rain and thunderstorms, while intermittent showers are predicted for southern districts including Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
In Balochistan, areas such as Quetta, Zhob, and Lasbella may see rain and thunderstorms over the weekend.
