Significant monsoon rains and strong winds are expected across several parts of Pakistan through September 6, with intermittent breaks.
According to the Met Office, monsoon currents are currently affecting the upper regions of Pakistan, while a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of the country from August 31 and remain active until September 5.
Under the combined influence of these weather systems, rain and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in several regions.
Kashmir
Rain, wind and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy rainfall, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the evening/night of August 28 until September 6, with occasional breaks.
Islamabad and Upper Punjab
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Wazirabad and Hafizabad may receive rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, from August 29 to September 5.
Meanwhile, Kasur, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Pakpattan are likely to experience similar weather from September 1 to 5, with occasional intervals.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rain, wind and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy falls, are forecast in Peshawar, Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad and Haripur from August 29 to September 5.
Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan may receive rain and thunderstorms from September 1 to 4, with intermittent breaks.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from August 30 to September 6, with occasional gaps.
Sindh and Balochistan
Mostly hot and humid conditions are expected to persist across most parts of Sindh and Balochistan during the forecast period.
Possible Impacts and Precautionary Measures
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore. Heavy downpours may also cause flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
There is also a risk of landslides in mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir. Tourists and travellers have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas.
Farmers have also been urged to plan agricultural activities according to the prevailing weather conditions.
