ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast another spell of monsoon rains across the country from August 29 to September 2, warning of “heavy to very heavy” downpours with thunder and lightning in several regions.
According to the Met Office, strong monsoon currents from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are expected to enter the upper parts of the country from August 29. Additionally, a westerly wave is likely to approach the upper and central regions by August 30, intensifying rainfall activity.
Widespread Rains Expected
Kashmir is expected to witness continuous heavy rainfall in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber, Haveli, and Mirpur between August 29 and September 2. Similarly, several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, are likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, from August 30 to September 1.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy showers are forecast in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan, among others. The spell will continue from August 29 to September 1 with intermittent breaks.
Punjab, already grappling with widespread flooding, is also expected to receive more rain. Districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Bahawalpur are forecast to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall during this period.
In Sindh, rainfall is expected in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Dadu, Umerkot, and Larkana on August 30 and 31. Meanwhile, in Balochistan, heavy showers are predicted in Barkhan, Musakhel, Zhob, Loralai, Khuzdar, Kalat, and Sibi from August 30 to September 1.
Flooding and Landslide Risks
The PMD has warned that heavy rains may generate flash floods in Kashmir and hilly areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Landslides and mudslides could also disrupt traffic in Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the forecast period.
Urban flooding is also a major concern. The Met Office has specifically cautioned residents of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Mardan, and Nowshera about potential inundation between August 29 and September 1.
Authorities have urged people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official advisories to minimize risks from the approaching monsoon spell.
