PMD forecasts more rains, thundershowers across Pakistan from August 17 as monsoon intensifies

Islamabad (Web Desk): Widespread and intense rainfall is expected in the country as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts a significant increase in monsoon activity starting August 17.

A combination of strong monsoon currents originating from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, along with a low-pressure system moving westward, is expected to trigger heavy downpours across multiple regions.

Additionally, the presence of a westerly wave will further enhance the chances of severe weather conditions.

Between August 17 and 19, regions such as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are forecast to experience frequent rain accompanied by thunderstorms, with particularly intense spells expected in areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, Astore, and Diamir.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to see substantial rainfall during this period, affecting districts such as Swat, Dir, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Kohat, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan.

The federal capital and several cities in Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad, are expected to witness heavy rainfall with occasional downpours from August 17 to 19.

Meanwhile, in southern Punjab, areas like Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan may see scattered showers with some heavy falls from August 18 to 20.

In Sindh, the wet spell is forecast to span from August 17 to 22, with rainfall expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Sukkur, Larkana, and other districts.

Balochistan is also bracing for rain in several parts, including Zhob, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, and Musakhel, where isolated heavy showers are likely between August 17 and 21.

The PMD has raised concerns over potential flash floods in hilly streams and rivers, particularly in the upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir from August 17 to 19. Similar risks are anticipated in D.G. Khan and eastern Balochistan between August 18 and 21 due to the likelihood of hill torrents swelling.

Urban flooding remains a significant concern in major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, especially in low-lying areas. There is also an elevated risk of landslides and road blockages in mountainous regions, including those in KP, GB, Murree, and Kashmir.

Strong winds and lightning associated with the storm system could damage infrastructure, including unstable buildings, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and rooftop solar installations.

The public has been advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, especially to vulnerable zones, and keep up to date with the latest advisories. Authorities across the country have been urged to remain on high alert and take all necessary preventive actions to mitigate the impact of the expected extreme weather.