PMD Issues Rain Alert for Parts of Pakistan
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan is bracing for another spell of monsoon weather as the Meteorological Department forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across the upper and central parts of the country on Saturday, with several areas at risk of flooding and landslides.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said monsoon currents were continuing to affect the upper and central regions, while a westerly wave was also influencing the weather in the upper parts of the country.
The forecast comes with warnings for urban flooding, flash floods and landslides, particularly in vulnerable northern and central areas.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi among high-risk areas
Islamabad and parts of upper Punjab are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls possible in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura and surrounding areas.
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
Flash flood, landslide risk increases
Kashmir and northern areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are also expected to experience thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain.
The weather office warned that intense rainfall could trigger flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Meanwhile, landslides remain a concern in mountainous areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir.
Several districts across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and parts of the tribal districts, are expected to receive rain and thunderstorms.
Gilgit-Baltistan also likely to receive rain
Rain and thunderstorms are expected in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
In Punjab, the weather system could also bring rain to central and southern districts, including Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sahiwal, Layyah, Bhakkar, Pakpattan and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Most areas of Sindh and Balochistan are likely to remain hot and humid, although isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in parts of Balochistan, including Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar.
Authorities urged to stay vigilant
The PMD has advised tourists and travelers to exercise caution during the forecast period, particularly when travelling through mountainous and flood-prone areas.
Farmers have also been advised to plan agricultural activities according to weather conditions and ensure the safety of livestock.
Relevant authorities have been directed to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimize the risk of damage during heavy rainfall.
The PMD said weather updates are available through its official website and the Pak Weather application.
