Widespread rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds, accompanied by heavy to very heavy falls in some areas, are expected across Pakistan from July 18 to July 25.
Synoptic Situation
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said moist monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously affecting the upper and central parts of the country and are expected to intensify over the weekend. A westerly wave is also likely to approach the upper parts of the country on Monday, further strengthening the prevailing weather system.
The PMD forecast widespread rainfall with occasional breaks during the period.
Kashmir
Rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with scattered heavy to very heavy falls, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the evening or night of July 18 to July 25, with intermittent gaps.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with scattered heavy to very heavy falls, are likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Waziristan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23.
Punjab and Islamabad
Rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with scattered heavy to very heavy falls, are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, the 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 from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23.
The weather system is also expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to Noor Pur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur from July 20 to July 24, with occasional breaks. Heavy rainfall is also likely in some areas.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall, are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from the evening or night of July 18 to July 25, with intermittent gaps.
Balochistan
Rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, are likely in northern and northeastern parts of the province, including Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibi, Nasirabad, Jhal Magsi, Jaffarabad, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar, from the evening or night of July 19 to July 23.
Sindh
Most parts of Sindh are expected to experience hot and very humid conditions. However, isolated rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are likely in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu and Jacobabad from the evening or night of July 20 to July 24.
Possible Impacts and Safety Advisories
The PMD warned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.
Landslides are possible in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Buner, Mansehra and Abbottabad, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, the Galliyat and Kashmir between July 20 and July 25.
The wet spell may also trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs across Kashmir, Murree and the Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Hill torrents may also experience flooding in Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.
Heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan and Faisalabad from July 20 to July 23.
Tourists and travellers have been advised to exercise extra caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. Farmers have also been urged to plan agricultural activities according to the weather conditions and ensure the safety of their livestock.
The prevailing hot and humid weather is expected to ease during the forecast period.
