Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Wind, and Thundershowers Forecasted Across Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory, predicting a new episode of rain, wind, and thunderstorms in upper and central regions of the country from August 29 to September 2.

The weather system is anticipated to bring significant rainfall, increasing the potential for flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Monsoon Currents and Westerly Wave

According to the PMD, robust monsoon currents originating from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are expected to move into northern Pakistan starting August 29. Simultaneously, a westerly wave is projected to arrive around August 30, creating conditions favorable for widespread rainfall across several provinces.

Regional Impacts
  • Kashmir: The region is likely to experience the most severe impact, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected between August 29 and September 2, particularly in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
  • Gilgit-Baltistan: Areas such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar could also face rainfall, with isolated heavy falls predicted from August 30 to September 1.
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rain and thunderstorms are anticipated across Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan during this period.
  • Islamabad and Northern Punjab: A widespread spell of rain with heavy downpours is expected in the capital, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Faisalabad, and adjacent districts from August 29 to September 2.
  • Southern Punjab: Isolated heavy falls may also affect Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Layyah, and Rajanpur.
  • Sindh: Showers and thunderstorms are expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Dadu, Jacobabad, Sukkur, and Larkana on August 30 and 31.
  • Balochistan: Parts of Balochistan, including Barkhan, Loralai, Zhob, Khuzdar, and neighboring districts, might experience rain with heavy falls from August 30 to September 1.
Advisories and Precautions

The PMD has warned of potential flash floods in local streams and nullahs within Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northeast Punjab.

Urban flooding is also a concern in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan.

Landslides and mudslides are possible in the mountainous regions of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir.

Strong winds, lightning, and significant rainfall could cause damage to vulnerable infrastructure such as temporary houses, billboards, solar panels, and power poles.

Safety Measures

The PMD has advised the public, especially travelers and tourists, to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel in susceptible areas, and stay informed about the latest weather updates.

Local authorities and emergency services have been instructed to maintain a state of high readiness and implement preventive measures to mitigate potential damages.