Rain Expected Across Pakistan from August 17 to 21
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan is bracing for another spell of unsettled weather as strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected across the upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21, raising concerns over urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
The latest forecast points to a renewed surge in monsoon activity, with the Meteorological Department warning that a series of westerly winds will enter the upper parts of the country from August 17. The weather system is expected to trigger intermittent thunderstorms, gusty winds and periods of heavy rainfall over several days.
Punjab is likely to face some of the most significant impacts, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issuing an alert for the sixth spell of monsoon rains.
Another Round of Heavy Rain for Punjab
According to the PDMA, widespread rainfall is expected across Punjab from the night of August 16 through August 21.
The forecast covers Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang and Attock, while Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Gujranwala and Wazirabad are also expected to receive rain.
Several districts in central and southern Punjab, including Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal, are also likely to experience rainfall.
Rain is expected to reach Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan mainly on August 20 and 21.
Urban Flooding Risk
The biggest concern is not simply rainfall but the ability of urban infrastructure to absorb and drain it.
The Meteorological Department has warned of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore between August 17 and 20.
The PDMA has separately identified Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore as areas where heavy rain could overwhelm drainage systems. Flash flooding in rainwater channels is also considered a potential threat.
The warning places additional pressure on local administrations to keep drainage networks operational and clear vulnerable points before the heaviest rainfall arrives.
A Different Threat
While urban centres remain vulnerable to water accumulation, mountainous areas face the added danger of landslides and sudden flooding.
Murree and Galiyat are among the areas where landslides have been anticipated. Similar risks have been identified in the mountainous parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
In Azad Kashmir, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the evening or night of August 16 through August 21. Some locations could receive heavy rainfall.
KP Also in Weather System
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to experience widespread thunderstorms and rain from the evening or night of August 17 through August 21.
Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar and Mardan are among the areas included in the forecast.
Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan are expected to see thundershowers mainly on August 20 and 21.
Northern Areas Remain Vulnerable
In Gilgit-Baltistan, intermittent strong winds and thunderstorms are forecast from August 18 to 21 in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
The combination of rainfall and steep terrain could increase the risk of landslides and temporary disruption on mountain roads.
Balochistan is expected to remain largely hot and humid, although thunderstorms and strong winds are forecast in Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar from the evening or night of August 17 to August 20.
Most parts of Sindh are also expected to remain hot and humid.
Authorities on Precautionary Mode
With the forecast covering several days, the PDMA has directed commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab to maintain heightened preparedness.
DG PDMA Saif Anwar Jappa instructed district administrations to take advance measures against possible urban flooding and flash floods in rainwater channels. Health, irrigation, construction and communications, local government and livestock departments have also been placed on alert.
The emphasis is on preparation before rainfall intensifies, particularly in cities where drainage systems can come under pressure within a short period.
Safety concerns for residents and travellers
Authorities have urged residents to avoid staying in dilapidated or mud-brick structures, which can become particularly dangerous during prolonged rainfall.
People have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during thunderstorms, seek shelter in secure locations during strong winds and remain indoors or in protected areas during lightning.
Tourists and travellers heading towards mountainous regions have been asked to exercise additional caution because of the possibility of landslides and sudden weather changes.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the forecast and ensure livestock are moved to safe locations when severe weather approaches.
A test for monsoon preparedness
The latest spell highlights a recurring challenge for Pakistan during the monsoon season: the impact of heavy rain increasingly depends not only on how much precipitation falls, but also on how effectively cities, drainage networks and vulnerable communities can cope with it.
With the sixth monsoon spell expected to affect large parts of Punjab and the upper regions, authorities have been placed on alert as the country prepares for several days of potentially disruptive weather.
