Widespread rains are forecast across the upper parts of Pakistan from September 3 to 6, as monsoon currents continue to influence the region.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a westerly wave is also affecting northern areas and is expected to intensify on September 4 and 5. The combined weather systems are likely to trigger rainfall, thunderstorms and isolated heavy to very heavy downpours in several areas.
Kashmir
Rain, wind and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from September 3 to 6, with intermittent breaks.
Islamabad and Upper Punjab
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Kasur are likely to receive rain, strong winds and thunderstorms from September 3 to 5. Isolated heavy and occasionally very heavy rainfall is also possible.
From September 4 to 5, similar weather is expected in Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Dera Ghazi Khan, along with adjoining areas.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Rain, wind and thunderstorms are likely across Peshawar, Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan from the evening or night of September 3 through September 5.
Scattered heavy to occasionally very heavy rainfall is possible during this period.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Moderate rain, accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, is expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from September 3 to 6. Isolated heavy rainfall may also occur.
Sindh and Balochistan
Most parts of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain hot and humid throughout the forecast period. However, rain, wind and thunderstorms may occur in Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhel and surrounding areas.
Possible Impacts and Safety Advisories
The Met Office has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall could result in urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Lahore, particularly on September 4 and 5.
Heavy downpours may also trigger flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The weather system could increase the 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 remain alert to changing weather and road conditions during the forecast period. Farmers have also been advised to plan and manage agricultural activities according to the weather forecasts.
