More Monsoon Rains Predicted in Pakistan: PMD Issues Advisory

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted another spell of monsoon rains across various parts of the country from 9th to 12th August. The upcoming weather system is expected to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy downpours, particularly in the northern and central regions.

Weather System Overview

According to the Met Office, strong monsoon currents originating from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal will begin penetrating the upper and central regions of Pakistan starting from 9th August. This system is anticipated to impact several areas, leading to significant rainfall and potential weather-related disruptions.

Region-Wise Forecast

Kashmir:
The northern regions of Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and surrounding areas, are expected to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls. These conditions are likely to persist from 9th to 12th August, with intermittent gaps.

Punjab/Islamabad:
The federal capital Islamabad, along with Rawalpindi, Murree, and other parts of Punjab such as Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and Gujranwala, will witness rain, wind, and thundershowers, with scattered heavy falls. The intensity is expected to peak between the 9th and 12th of August. Southern Punjab areas like Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan may also experience similar conditions, particularly on the evenings and nights of 10th and 11th August.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP):
In KP, districts such as Swat, Dir, Mansehra, and Abbottabad are expected to see rain, wind, and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls during the same period. The rain spells may cause temporary disruptions, especially in hilly areas.

Balochistan:
Parts of Balochistan, including Khuzdar, Lasbella, and Kalat, are likely to experience rain, wind, and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls expected on the evenings of 9th, 11th, and 12th August.

Sindh:
Isolated rainfall is predicted for regions such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Tharparkar. The rain is expected to be less intense compared to the northern regions, primarily occurring between 9th and 11th August.

Gilgit-Baltistan:
Mainly cloudy conditions will prevail in Gilgit-Baltistan, with occasional rain showers expected in Diamir, Skardu, and Gilgit between 9th and 12th August.

Potential Impacts and Advisories

The PMD has issued several warnings regarding the possible impacts of the upcoming rains:

1. Flash Flooding: There is a heightened risk of flash floods in local streams and nullahs in Murree, Galliyat, and parts of KP and Kashmir. Southern Balochistan, including Khuzdar and Kalat, may also experience flash floods.
2. Urban Flooding: Heavy downpours could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other major cities in Punjab and KP.
3. Landslides: The risk of landslides remains high in hilly regions, particularly in KP, Murree, and Kashmir. Travelers should exercise caution.
4. Damage to Infrastructure: Windstorms and lightning may cause damage to weak structures, such as kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, and solar panels.
5. Agriculture: Farmers are advised to manage their activities with the weather forecast in mind to minimize crop damage.
6. Travel Advisory: Tourists and travelers should stay informed about the weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel during the wet spell to prevent any untoward incidents.

Conclusion

The PMD has urged all relevant authorities to remain on high alert and take necessary precautions to mitigate the effects of the upcoming monsoon rains. Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed through regular updates from the PMD and to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.

For the latest weather updates, please visit the official website of the Pakistan Meteorological Department at www.pmd.gov.pk.