PMD forecast: Rain, windstorms expected in upper parts of Pakistan during weekend

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a spell of rain, windstorms and thunderstorms across the country's upper regions over the weekend as moisture-laden currents from the Arabian Sea, along with an approaching westerly weather system, are expected to influence weather patterns from Saturday.

According to the PMD, Kashmir is likely to receive intermittent rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours, from the night of July 10 until July 13.

Similar conditions are forecast for most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on July 11 and 12. Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several districts of Punjab are also expected to experience scattered showers accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms during the same period.

According to the Met Office, Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to witness rain and thunderstorms from the evening of July 11 through July 13.

Meanwhile, isolated rain-bearing windstorms are likely to affect northern and northeastern areas of Balochistan on July 11 and 12.

Sindh is expected to remain under the influence of hot and extremely humid weather. However, isolated thunderstorms and rain are forecast for Tharparkar, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu and Jacobabad on July 12 and 13.

The PMD warned that powerful winds and lightning strikes could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles and roadside billboards, during the forecast period.

The Met Office also cautioned that heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in sensitive areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on July 11 and 12. It further warned that local streams and seasonal nullahs in these regions, as well as hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan, could experience a rise in water levels.

In addition, the PMD said intense rainfall could result in localized urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad on July 11 and 12.

Tourists and commuters have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel while the weather system remains active. Farmers have also been urged to schedule agricultural activities in line with the forecast and ensure proper protection and care for their livestock.

The PMD added that the ongoing spell of hot and humid weather is expected to ease as the system moves across the region, while urging all relevant authorities to stay alert and take timely precautionary measures to prevent any adverse incidents.