Monsoon Spell Expected to Bring Widespread Rainfall Across Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting a widespread monsoon spell that will affect numerous regions of the nation, commencing on June 25. The department has cautioned about potential risks including flash floods, urban inundation, and landslides, in addition to other weather-related dangers.

As per the weather forecasting agency, moist currents originating from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal have started impacting Pakistan’s upper and central regions. These currents are projected to gain intensity over the coming days.

A robust westerly wave is anticipated to approach the northern areas on June 25, potentially strengthening by June 26. This development is expected to cause substantial rainfall across a majority of provinces and territories.

Regional Forecasts
  • Kashmir: From the evening or night of June 24 until July 02, rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms is expected in areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. There will be scattered heavy, and at times very heavy, falls with occasional breaks.
  • Gilgit-Baltistan: Districts such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar are likely to experience rain and thunderstorms from June 26 to June 29.
  • Punjab and Islamabad: Moderate to heavy rainfall with wind and thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, and Mianwali from June 25 to July 01 with intermittent gaps.
  • South Punjab: Regions including Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Layyah are forecasted to receive rain between June 26 and June 28.
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Widespread rain with wind and thunderstorms is anticipated in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu, and Kurram from June 25 to July 01 with occasional gaps.
  • Balochistan: Rainfall is expected, particularly in the northeastern and southern districts, including Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Kalat, Lasbella, Khuzdar, Awaran, Jaffarabad, Dera Bugti, and Kohlu from the night of June 25 till June 28.
  • Sindh: Rainfall with wind and thunderstorms is predicted in upper and southeastern districts, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi from June 25 to June 28 with brief gaps.
Potential Hazards and Advisories

Heavy to very heavy rains may lead to flash floods in local streams and nullahs, particularly in Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, northeast Punjab, and Kashmir between June 26 and July 1.

Urban flooding could occur in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar during the same period, while similar conditions could affect Hyderabad and Karachi between June 26 and June 28.

The continuous wet spell increases the risk of landslides that may result in road closures in vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Heavy rainfall combined with windstorms and lightning may disrupt daily life and cause damage to weak structures such as Kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels.

Farmers are advised to manage their agricultural activities considering the rain forecast.

Tourists and travellers are urged to exercise caution and plan their journeys carefully to avoid any untoward incidents during the period of intense weather activity.

All concerned departments and authorities have been directed to remain on high alert and to take necessary preventive and mitigation measures to safeguard life and property during the forecasted monsoon activity.