PMD Forecasts Monsoon Rains Across Pakistan in Early July, Issues Flood and Landslide Alert
Rawalpindi: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted that the country’s monsoon season will begin during the first week of July, bringing widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several regions of Pakistan.
According to the latest weather forecast, a westerly weather system is expected to enter the northern parts of the country from June 30, while moisture from the Arabian Sea is already moving into eastern and central Pakistan. Additional moisture from the Bay of Bengal is likely to reach the upper regions by July 2, increasing the chances of widespread rainfall.
Rain Forecast for Azad Kashmir
Several areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir are expected to receive intermittent rain, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy downpours between July 1 and July 6. These include Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian Bala, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Weather Update
The PMD expects rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms across much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 1 to July 5. Districts likely to be affected include Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Hangu, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Punjab to Receive Widespread Monsoon Showers
Northern and central Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Narowal, are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms from July 1 to July 6.
Meanwhile, southern and central districts such as Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Okara, Kasur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Noorpur Thal are likely to receive rainfall between July 3 and July 5.
Rain Expected in Gilgit-Baltistan
Residents of Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar should prepare for rain and thunderstorms from July 1 to July 5, according to the PMD.
Balochistan Weather Forecast
Parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Harnai, Sibi, Barkhan, and Dera Bugti, are expected to receive rainfall from July 1 to July 4.
Sindh Rain Alert
The weather department has also forecast rain with thunderstorms in Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, and Naushahro Feroze on July 3 and July 4.
PMD Warns of Flash Floods and Landslides
The PMD has warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electricity poles, and advertising billboards.
Authorities have also been alerted to the possibility of landslides in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir from July 2 to July 6.
In addition, flash floods may develop in local streams, nullahs, and hill torrents, particularly in Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Dera Ghazi Khan region, between July 2 and July 5.
Public Advisory
The PMD has urged tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly areas during the forecast period. Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the expected weather conditions and ensure the safety of their livestock.
Relevant government departments and disaster management authorities have also been instructed to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to minimize the impact of heavy rainfall and possible flooding.
Read More:
Countrywide rains likely in first week of July, says PMDhttps://www.dawn.com/news/2011792
