Strong Monsoon System to Bring Widespread Rain
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across large parts of the country from July 18 to July 25.
The department said moist monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea were continuously entering Pakistan’s upper and central regions. These currents are expected to strengthen over the weekend, increasing the intensity and geographical spread of rainfall.
A westerly weather system is also expected to reach the upper parts of Pakistan on Monday, July 20. The interaction between both systems could produce heavy to very heavy rainfall in several vulnerable districts.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive rain, windstorms and thunderstorms from July 18 to July 25, with occasional breaks. Heavy to very heavy rainfall may affect Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.
Gilgit-Baltistan may experience moderate to heavy rainfall during the same period. Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar are among the areas included in the forecast.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to receive widespread rain from the night of July 19 until July 23. Heavy downpours may affect Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Waziristan and several adjoining districts.
Heavy Rain Expected Across Punjab and Balochistan
Northern and central Punjab are expected to experience rain, thunderstorms and strong winds from the night of July 19 until July 23.
Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot and Narowal may receive scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Southern and central Punjab may also receive rain between July 20 and July 24. The affected districts include Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Okara, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur.
The PMD said heavy rainfall could occur at times, although the wet spell may include occasional gaps.
In Balochistan, rain and thunderstorms are expected from July 19 to July 23. Isolated heavy rainfall may affect Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar.
Most parts of Sindh are expected to remain hot and highly humid. However, isolated rain and thunderstorms may occur in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu and Jacobabad between July 20 and July 24.
Flash Flood and Urban Flooding Warnings Issued
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding in local streams across upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Low-lying neighbourhoods in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad could face urban flooding from July 20 to July 23.
Heavy rain may overwhelm drainage systems, flood roads and disrupt traffic. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movement during intense downpours.
Strong winds and lightning could also damage weak buildings, electricity poles, billboards and solar panels. Loose outdoor objects may become dangerous during severe windstorms.
Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous and flood-prone areas. Landslides, damaged roads and sudden increases in stream levels could leave travellers stranded.
Farmers should adjust irrigation, harvesting and other agricultural activities according to local weather conditions. Authorities have also been directed to remain vigilant and take preventive measures before the rain intensifies.
The forecast covers an extended period, but rainfall will not remain continuous everywhere. Conditions may vary between districts, and residents should monitor updated PMD alerts throughout the monsoon spell.
