Significant monsoon rainfall accompanied by gusty winds is expected in the upper and central parts of Pakistan through July 8, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The Met Office said moist currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously moving into the country’s upper regions, while additional moisture from the Bay of Bengal is expected to reach northeastern areas from tonight.
A westerly weather system is also likely to enter the upper parts of the country within the next 12 hours, while the seasonal low-pressure area remains over northwestern Balochistan.
Under the influence of these weather systems, widespread rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours, are forecast across several regions.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from Sunday night until July 8, with intermittent breaks.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu from Sunday night through July 8. Waziristan, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan are expected to receive rainfall on July 7 and 8.
For Punjab and Islamabad, scattered rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms are forecast in 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, Okara and Kasur from Sunday evening through July 8. Southern and western districts, including Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur, are likely to receive rain on July 7 and 8.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar on July 7 and 8.
Parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Musakhel, Naseerabad, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar, are likely to receive isolated rain and thunderstorms from the night of July 7 into July 8.
Meanwhile, Sindh is expected to remain mostly hot and very humid. However, isolated rain and thunderstorms may occur in Tharparkar, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Qambar Shahdadkot and Naushahro Feroze on July 7 and 8.
The PMD warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards, during the forecast period.
It also cautioned that landslides are possible in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir on July 7 and 8, while water levels may rise in local streams, nullahs and hill torrents, particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan.
Heavy rainfall may also trigger localised urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad.
The Met Office advised tourists and travellers to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution in affected areas. Farmers have also been urged to plan agricultural activities according to weather conditions and ensure the safety of their livestock.
The forecast added that the prevailing hot and humid weather is likely to ease in many parts of the country during the rainy spell.
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