Active Weather System to Bring Rain Across Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread monsoon rain and thunderstorms across the country from July 24 to July 28.
The latest weather spell is being driven by a low-pressure area over southwestern Rajasthan and neighbouring regions.
The system is directing strong monsoon currents towards southern and central Pakistan.
Rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected in Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Some areas may receive isolated heavy rainfall during the forecast period.
The weather department said rainfall would occur with occasional breaks instead of continuing without interruption.
In Sindh, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar and Hyderabad.
Showers are also likely in Matiari, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Thatta and surrounding districts.
Karachi is expected to experience cloudy conditions with light rain during the period.
The city also received light to moderate showers in several areas on Friday as the monsoon system approached southern Pakistan.
Northern and northeastern Balochistan may also receive rain and thunderstorms.
Affected areas could include Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Awaran and Khuzdar.
Some districts may experience isolated heavy downpours.
Lahore, Sindh Cities Face Urban Flooding Risk
The PMD has warned that heavy rain could cause urban flooding in several major cities.
Lahore and Gujranwala face an increased flooding risk on Friday and Saturday.
Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Faisalabad and Sialkot may also experience water accumulation from July 24 to July 26.
In Sindh, urban flooding is possible in Sukkur, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar and Shaheed Benazirabad.
Khairpur, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan and Tando Allahyar are also included in the warning.
Low-lying neighbourhoods and areas with weak drainage systems could face the greatest disruption.
Lahore recently recorded the heaviest rainfall of the current monsoon season.
The airport and surrounding areas received 263 millimetres of rain on Thursday.
The downpour flooded roads, disrupted traffic and brought daily activities to a halt.
Rain and windstorms are forecast across southern and central Punjab.
Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Vehari and Khanewal are among the affected districts.
Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar may also receive heavy showers.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi are expected to experience cloudy weather, rain and thunderstorms until July 26.
Similar conditions are forecast for Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad and surrounding districts.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may receive rain in Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Kohistan and Malakand.
Thunderstorms are also expected in Nowshera, Charsadda, Kohat, Tank, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and the merged districts.
Gilgit-Baltistan may experience intermittent rain in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Ghanche and Shigar.
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast across Azad Jammu and Kashmir until July 28.
Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur could receive showers.
Authorities Placed on Alert as Public Urged to Remain Cautious
The PMD warned that windstorms and lightning could damage weak buildings, electricity poles, solar panels and other exposed structures.
Heavy rainfall could also trigger flash floods in streams and landslides in mountainous regions.
Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas.
Farmers should adjust agricultural activities according to the forecast.
They have also been urged to protect crops and move livestock to safer locations.
The PMD asked provincial and district authorities to remain vigilant throughout the weather spell.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said departments across the province had been placed on high alert.
District administrations, rescue services and emergency teams have been told to remain ready.
Pumping equipment and other machinery are being moved to areas considered vulnerable to flooding.
Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during intense rainfall.
The warning comes after at least 37 deaths were reported in rain-related incidents during the ongoing monsoon season.
Flash floods and landslides have damaged homes, crops, livestock and roads in several regions.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have been among the affected areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority continues to issue flood alerts and hazard projections for vulnerable regions.
Emergency officials have advised residents to follow local warnings and stay away from flooded roads, rivers and unstable slopes.
