The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday predicted that the current spell of torrential rains will persist in southern and central parts of the country throughout the week. A deep depression currently located over northern Gujrat, India, is expected to reach adjacent areas of eastern Sindh, Pakistan, within the next 24 hours. This weather system is bringing strong monsoon currents into the country, particularly affecting the southern regions. Additionally, a westerly wave is likely to impact the upper parts of the country from August 29 onwards, according to the PMD.
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Under this system, rain with wind and thunderstorms, along with occasional heavy downpours, are expected in the following areas from August 27-31: Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Khanewal, Lohdran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, and Rahimyar Khan.
In Sindh, widespread rain with wind and thunderstorms, including scattered heavy falls and isolated very heavy falls, are expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Shaheed Benazirabad, Jamshoro, Tando Allayar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tharparkar, Nagarparkar, Mithi, Mirpur Khas, Umarkot, Matiari, Sanghar, Sukkur, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Khairpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Nausheroferoze from August 27-31.
In Balochistan, widespread rain with wind and thunderstorms, accompanied by scattered heavy falls, is expected in Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbella, Awaran, Naseerabad, Sibbi, Jaffarabad, Kohlu, Harnai, Dera Bugti, Zhob, Quetta, Ziarat, Sherani, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Loralai, Mastung, Bolan, Jhal Magsi, Kech, Panjgur, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, and Ormara during the same period.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, rain with wind and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy falls, are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, 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.
In Kashmir, rain with wind and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy falls, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain with wind and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy falls, are expected in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar during the same period.
Potential impacts include pluvial flooding or inundation in low-lying areas of Sindh, Balochistan, and south/central Punjab. Torrential rains may trigger flash floods in local streams and hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan, Dadu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Jaffarabad, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Barkhan, Loralai, Awaran, Panjgur, Washuk, Mastung, and Lasbella. The PMD also highlighted a strong possibility of a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan.
Urban flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Nowshera, and Peshawar on August 27, 29, 30, and 31. Landslides may occur in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, the hilly areas of Balochistan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Waziristan during this period. Coastal flooding is also possible along the Sindh-Makran coast.
Heavy rainfall, windstorms, and lightning may disrupt daily activities and cause damage to weak structures, such as Kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Road disruptions are also likely.
Farmers are advised to plan their activities based on the weather forecast, while travelers and tourists are urged to exercise caution and plan their trips according to the weather conditions to avoid any unfortunate incidents during this wet spell. Fishermen in Sindh and Balochistan are advised to avoid venturing into the open sea from August 27-31. All concerned authorities are encouraged to stay vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward situations.
