Monsoon to Hit Pakistan in First Week of July

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan is set to receive widespread monsoon rains during the first week of July, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting rain, windstorms and thunderstorms across most parts of the country.

According to the PMD, the weather system will develop under the combined influence of a strong westerly wave and moisture-laden currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

The westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on the evening of June 30, while additional moisture from the Bay of Bengal will strengthen monsoon activity from July 2.

The department said widespread rainfall with isolated heavy downpours is expected in Kashmir from July 1 to 6, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to receive rain and thunderstorms from July 1 to 5.

In Punjab and Islamabad, rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are forecast from July 1 to 6. Heavy rainfall is expected in cities including Rawalpindi, Murree, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal. Southern Punjab, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan and adjoining districts, is expected to receive rain from July 3 to 5.

Gilgit-Baltistan is also likely to experience widespread rain and thunderstorms between July 1 and 5, while northern and northeastern districts of Balochistan are expected to receive rainfall from July 1 to 4.

In Sindh, rain and thunderstorms are forecast mainly for the upper districts, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur and Dadu, on July 3 and 4.

The PMD has warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.

Authorities have also been alerted to the risk of landslides in mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir from July 2 to 6. Flash floods may occur in local streams and hill torrents, particularly in Kashmir, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Dera Ghazi Khan.

Urban flooding is also likely in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal between July 1 and 4 due to heavy rainfall.

The Met Office has advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas during the forecast period and urged farmers to plan agricultural activities according to the weather while ensuring proper care of livestock.

The department added that the prevailing hot and humid weather across much of the country is expected to ease as the monsoon system becomes active. It has urged all relevant authorities to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to minimize the impact of severe weather.