ISLAMABAD – Widespread monsoon rains and gusty winds are predicted in Pakistan from July 22 onward with occasional gaps.
Per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal will likely penetrate the upper parts of Pakistan from July 22.
Under the influence of this weather system, widespread intermittent rains are predicted to occur nationwide during the next week.
Kashmir: Rain-wind/thunderstorms with few heavy falls are expected in Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from July 21 evening to July 27 with occasional gaps.
Punjab/Islamabad: Rain-wind/thunderstorms with few heavy falls are expected in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar and Mianwali from July 22 to July 25 with occasional gaps.
Rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Layyah on July 23 and July 24.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rain-wind/thunderstorms with few heavy falls are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan from July 22 evening to July 24 with occasional gaps.
Balochistan: Hot and humid weather is expected mainly in most districts of the province. Rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected in north/eastern parts of Balochistan (Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbella, Awaran, Ziarat, Zhob, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Shirani, Kohlu, Harnai, Naseerabad and Jaffarabad) on July 23 and July 24 with occasional gaps.
Sindh: Mainly hot and very humid weather is expected in most districts of the province. Rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected in Mithi, Sanghar, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Sukkur, Larkana and Dadu on July 23 and 24, with occasional gaps.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Mainly partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions at the time are expected. However, rainfall activity is expected in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from July 22 to July 27 with occasional gaps.
Possible Impacts and advises:
Heavy falls may generate flash flooding in local nullahs/streams of Murree, Galliyat, Manshera, Kohistan, Malakand, Dir Swat, Shangla, Bunner, Kurrum, Orakzai, Khyber, Mohmand, Nowshera, Swabi and Kashmir on July 23 and July 24. Heavy falls may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Landslides may disrupt traffic in vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the wet period.
Downpours/windstorms and lightning may affect daily routines, and weak structures like electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Farmers are advised to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast. Travellers and tourists are advised to remain extra cautious and manage their travelling according to weather conditions and avoid any untoward situation during the wet spell.