Monsoon to Intensify Across Pakistan Next Week

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that monsoon activity is projected to escalate throughout Pakistan starting next week. Predictions include more widespread instances of rain, wind, and thunderstorms affecting various regions nationwide.

The PMD reports that monsoon air currents originating from the Arabian Sea are already influencing the northern areas. Furthermore, humid air currents from the Bay of Bengal are anticipated to gain strength beginning August 17.

A western weather system presently impacting northern areas is also expected to become more intense around the same time.

From August 14 to 17, areas including Islamabad, Kashmir, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to experience rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, with the possibility of localized heavy downpours.

Regrettably, monsoon-related incidents have resulted in 312 fatalities and 740 injuries across Pakistan, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. Punjab has been particularly affected, accounting for more than half of the deaths, with 164 recorded.

The PMD has issued warnings regarding potential flash floods in local streams and drainage channels within parts of KP, Punjab, Islamabad, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir between August 15 and 21. Additionally, hill torrents in DG Khan and eastern Balochistan may also be at risk from August 18 to 21.

There is a risk of urban flooding in vulnerable areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Nowshera.

The possibility of landslides and mudslides exists, which could potentially disrupt transportation routes in mountainous terrains. Moreover, strong winds and lightning strikes could cause damage to vulnerable infrastructure, including utility poles, billboards, and vehicles.

Citizens, travelers, and tourists are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel to susceptible areas and to stay informed about the latest weather updates.

Authorities are urged to maintain vigilance and implement essential safety measures to avert potential adverse situations.

Regional Forecasts:
  • Kashmir/Gilgit-Baltistan: Widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms, including the possibility of localized heavy rainfall, are anticipated in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from August 18 to 21. Gilgit-Baltistan regions, encompassing Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, can expect similar weather conditions during the same period.
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, and Karak from August 18 to 21. Scattered rainfall is forecast for Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan during the same timeframe.
  • Punjab/Islamabad: Widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal from August 18 to 21. Scattered showers may also occur in DG Khan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
  • Balochistan: Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, and Panjgur are projected to experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms from August 18 to 22.
  • Sindh: Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, and Jacobabad are expected to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms between August 18 and 22.