The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a warning on Monday, forecasting an intense monsoon spell from the Arabian Sea, starting today (Tuesday) and intensifying by July 19.
PMD anticipates this weather shift to bring widespread rainfall to the country’s upper and central regions. As the country is experiencing a deadly monsoon season, which has already taken nearly 100 lives since June 25, all relevant authorities have been advised to stay on high alert during the forecast period.
Expected Rainfall and Weather Shifts
In their latest advisory, the PMD noted that the new weather systems would trigger rain/wind-thundershowers (with heavy falls) in various regions of Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. Certain regions of Gilgit Baltistan, such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and others, are also anticipated to be affected.
Moreover, from July 19 (night) to July 21, rain/wind-thundershowers are forecasted in regions including Barkhan, Loralai, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Lasbella, Awaran, Musakhel, DG Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Larkana, and Jacobabad.
Monsoon Activity and Possible Flooding
As the monsoon currents intensify, dust-thunderstorms/rain (with isolated torrential falls) are expected from July 19 (evening/night) to July 23 (morning) in several districts of Sindh, including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu. Dust-thunderstorms/rain (with isolated heavy falls) are also anticipated from July 20 to 22 in Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta, and Karachi districts.
The PMD warned that heavy rain could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore from July 18 (night) to July 22. Landslides are also a concern in vulnerable areas like Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this period.
Advice for Farmers, Tourists, and Travellers
Given the expected weather conditions, the PMD advised farmers to adapt their activities accordingly. Tourists and travellers were also urged to exercise extra caution during this rainy period, prioritizing their safety as the nation braces for the incoming monsoon season.
