PMD forecasts widespread monsoon rains across Pakistan from July 18

ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecast widespread rain, windstorms and thundershowers across most parts of the country from July 18 to 25, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and urban flooding in vulnerable areas. According to the PMD, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating the upper and central parts of the country and are likely to strengthen over the weekend, while a western disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on Monday, enhancing rainfall activity. The Met Office said Kashmir is likely to receive rain, windstorms and thundershowers, with scattered heavy to very heavy falls, from the evening of July 18 to July 25 with occasional gaps. Areas expected to be affected include Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain, windstorms and thundershowers with scattered heavy to very heavy falls are expected from the evening of July 19 to July 23 in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu. The PMD said Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot and Okara are likely to receive rain, windstorms and thundershowers with scattered heavy to very heavy falls from the evening of July 19 to July 23. Southern and western districts, including Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur, are expected to receive rainfall from July 20 to 24. In Gilgit-Baltistan, moderate to heavy rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from the evening of July 18 to July 25. Balochistan is likely to receive rain, windstorms and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls in Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar from the evening of July 19 to July 23. The Met Office said most parts of Sindh would remain hot and very humid; however, isolated rain and thundershowers are expected in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu and Jacobabad from the evening of July 20 to July 24. The PMD warned that windstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It also cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir between July 20 and 25. The department further warned of possible flash flooding in local streams and nullahs of Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan during the wet spell. Heavy rainfall may also trigger urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad from July 20 to 23. The PMD advised tourists and travellers to avoid unnecessary journeys during the forecast period, while farmers were urged to manage crop activities according to the weather conditions and ensure proper care of livestock.

The department said the prevailing hot and humid weather is likely to subside during the forecast period and advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation.