ISLAMABAD (MNN); The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast a fresh spell of monsoon rains across much of the country from the first week of July, warning of heavy downpours, flash floods, urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable regions.
According to the PMD, a westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan from June 30, while moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea are already affecting eastern and central areas of the country. Additional moisture from the Bay of Bengal is expected to reach northern regions from July 2, intensifying rainfall activity.
The weather department predicted widespread rain, thunderstorms and windstorms, with isolated heavy rainfall, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Balochistan and parts of Sindh between July 1 and July 6.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal and several central Punjab districts are expected to receive intermittent rainfall from July 1 to July 6, while southern Punjab is likely to experience rain from July 3 to July 5.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are forecast for several districts, including Chitral, Swat, Dir, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are also expected to witness widespread showers accompanied by thunderstorms, while northern and northeastern districts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Sibbi, Barkhan and Dera Bugti, are likely to receive rainfall during the week.
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods in local streams and hill torrents, particularly in Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and the DG Khan region. Landslides are also likely in mountainous areas of northern Pakistan.
Urban flooding is expected in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal between July 1 and July 4.
The department also cautioned that strong winds and thunderstorms may damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.
Tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel to northern areas during the forecast period, while farmers have been urged to plan agricultural activities according to weather conditions. The PMD added that the prevailing hot and humid weather is expected to ease with the arrival of the monsoon system.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a province-wide pre-monsoon alert. PDMA Director General Umar Javed said all commissioners, deputy commissioners and relevant departments had been directed to remain on high alert and complete emergency preparedness measures on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Citizens have been advised to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms, limit unnecessary travel during dust storms and strong winds, while farmers and tourists have also been urged to take precautionary measures. In case of emergencies, people have been asked to contact the PDMA helpline 1129.