Heavy rainfall expected in Pakistan till August 12

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more monsoon rains and gusty winds in Pakistan between August 9 and August 12, with occasional breaks. Strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are expected to move into the upper and central regions of the country starting August 9. As a result, widespread intermittent monsoon rains, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours, are likely across Pakistan during this period.

Kashmir: Monsoon rains with isolated heavy falls are expected in Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from August 09 to August 12 with occasional gaps.

Punjab/Islamabad: Monsoon rains with scattered heavy falls and gusty winds are expected in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab and Sargodha from August 09 to August 12 with occasional gaps.

Rains with isolated heavy falls are expected in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan and Layyah on August 10 evening/night and August 11 with occasional gaps.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rains with isolated heavy falls are expected in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Swabi, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Orakzai, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan from August 09 to ASugust 12 with occasional gaps.

Balochistan: Rains with isolated heavy falls are expected in Khuzdar, Lasbella, Kalat, Zhob, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Mastung, Sibbi, Shirani, Kohlu, Bolan, Harnai, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad and Makran coast on August 09 evening/night, 11th & 12th August with occasional gaps.

Sindh: Rains and gusty winds are expected at isolated places in Mithi, Sanghar, Mitayari, Nausheroferoze, Jamshoro, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Khairpur, Thatta, Badin, Chhor, Padidan, Sajawal, Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Allayar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu from August 09 evening/night to August 11 with occasional gaps.

Gilgit-Baltistan: Mainly partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan. However, rainfall activity is also likely in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from August 09 evening/night to August 12 with occasional gaps.

Possible Impacts and advises: Heavy rains may generate flash flooding in local nullahs/streams of Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Northeast Punjab, hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Kashmir from 09th to 11th August, and in Kalat, Khuzdar, Barkhan and Lasbella on 09th, 11th & 12th August.

Heavy downpours could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar between August 9 and 12.

Landslides may disrupt traffic in the vulnerable hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during this period. Additionally, downpours, windstorms, and lightning could impact daily routines and potentially damage weak structures such as billboards and solar panels.

Farmers are advised to plan their activities according to the weather forecast, while travelers and tourists should exercise extra caution, plan their trips carefully, and avoid risky situations during the wet spell.