Weather Alert: PMD Warns of Heavy Rains, Urban Floods

News Desk 

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers on Wednesday across various regions, including Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northeastern Balochistan.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in upper KP, the Potohar region, northeastern Punjab, and Kashmir, increasing the risk of flash floods and landslides. Meanwhile, southern Pakistan will continue to experience hot and humid weather.

Flood and Landslide Alerts Issued

The PMD has issued a high alert for flash flooding during the night and on July 23 in nullahs and streams across several districts of KP—including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, and Buner—as well as parts of Punjab and Kashmir, including Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi.

Urban flooding is also likely in low-lying areas of major cities such as:

• Islamabad
• Rawalpindi
• Gujranwala
• Lahore
• Sialkot
• Sargodha
• Faisalabad
• Okara
• Nowshera
• Peshawar

Landslides and mudslides may block roads in hilly areas of KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, and Kashmir. Strong winds, lightning, and intense rainfall could damage weak structures, including kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar installations.

Regional Forecasts

Islamabad: Partly cloudy with rain and thundershowers, with chances of heavy rainfall.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rain and thundershowers expected across most districts, with heavyfalls likely in the upper regions including Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad.

Punjab: Rainfall forecasted in northern and central districts including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Sargodha. Isolated showers expected in southern areas including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Faisalabad.

Sindh & Balochistan: Hot and humid conditions persist, with chances of isolated rain or drizzle in coastal Sindh and scattered showers in northeastern Balochistan (Zhob, Loralai, Barkhan, Kalat, etc.).

Kashmir & Gilgit-Baltistan: Partly cloudy with rain and thundershowers. Heavy rainfall may occur in parts of Kashmir.

Rainfall Summary (Past 24 Hours)

• Islamabad: Saidpur 101 mm, Golra 78 mm, Bokra 68 mm
• Rawalpindi: Katcheri 85 mm, Gawalmandi 55 mm
• Muzaffarabad: 79 mm (airport), 71 mm (city)
• Kotli: 64 mm
• KP: Balakot 47 mm, Takht Bai 37 mm, Saidu Sharif 34 mm
• Balochistan: Kalat 28 mm
• Gilgit: 1 mm

Maximum temperatures reached 46°C in Nokkundi, 45°C in Dalbandin, and 44°C in Dadu.

The PMD urges residents—particularly in vulnerable and low-lying areas—to remain alert and follow safety instructions from local authorities during this critical weather period.