Widespread Monsoon Rains Expected Across Pakistan Through July 25
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide weather advisory forecasting widespread rain, windstorms, and thundershowers from July 18 through July 25. The intensifying monsoon activity, driven by moisture-laden currents from the Arabian Sea and an approaching westerly disturbance, is expected to bring scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall to many regions.
This forecast comes as the country continues to deal with the impact of the current monsoon season. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) situation report released on Friday, at least 38 people have been killed and 120 injured since the monsoon season began on June 26, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa reporting the highest provincial death toll of 23.
Regional Forecast Breakdown
The weather systems are expected to affect different parts of the country in phases:
* Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Rain, windstorms, and thundershowers with heavy to very heavy falls are expected from July 18 to July 25.
* Gilgit-Baltistan: Moderate to heavy rain is forecast for Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from July 18 to July 25.
* Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Widespread rain and heavy falls are expected from the night of July 19 to July 23 across numerous districts, including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, and North and South Waziristan.
* Punjab and Islamabad: Rain and windstorms are forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and several other districts from the night of July 19 to July 23. Additional districts, including Multan and Bahawalpur, are expected to see rain from July 20 to July 24.
* Balochistan: Isolated heavy rain is forecast for northeastern districts, including Zhob, Sibi, and Khuzdar, from July 19 to July 23.
* Sindh: While most of the province is expected to remain hot and humid, isolated rain and thundershowers are likely in areas such as Tharparkar, Sukkur, and Larkana from July 20 to July 24.
Flood and Landslide Risks
The PMD has warned that the expected heavy rainfall poses significant risks, including flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and northeastern Balochistan.
Furthermore, urban flooding is possible in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore, Sialkot, Multan, and Faisalabad between July 20 and July 23. The Met Office also cautioned that vulnerable areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir face a risk of landslides from July 20 to July 25.
Safety and Precautionary Measures
Officials have warned that windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, such as solar panels, billboards, and electricity poles. In response to the forecast, provincial authorities have been urged to remain vigilant. In Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed all departments and field officers to remain on high alert. Her instructions include ensuring the immediate drainage of rainwater, monitoring storm-water drains and nullahs, and maintaining the readiness of emergency agencies like Rescue 1122 and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). Officials have also been ordered to monitor structurally vulnerable buildings and ensure that all manholes remain properly covered to prevent accidents during the wet spell.