Severe Weather Advisory Issued for Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory warning of widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers expected across several parts of the country from the night of July 6 to July 8. This weather pattern is likely to have significant impacts on various regions, particularly in the northern and hilly areas.
Potential Risks and Impacts
The wet spell may result in heavy to very heavy rainfall, posing significant risks of flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides. These hazards are especially concerning in the northern and hilly regions where the terrain is more susceptible to such events. The PMD has warned that torrential rains could trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs in several areas, including Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, northeastern Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Balochistan.
In addition, there is a high risk of landslides and mudslides in vulnerable mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir. These events could lead to road blockages and travel disruptions, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Urban flooding is also a concern in low-lying areas of major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar. Residents in these areas should be prepared for potential disruptions and ensure their safety.
Regional Forecasts
In Islamabad, cloudy weather accompanied by rain, wind, and thundershowers is forecast, with the possibility of isolated heavy falls. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most districts including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Shangla, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu, Kurram, Kohat, Karak, Waziristan, Bannu, and D.I. Khan are expected to receive rain and thundershowers, with heavy rainfall at some locations.
In Punjab, widespread rain-wind/thundershowers are anticipated, with chances of isolated heavy falls in several areas, including Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot, Okara, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Weather Conditions in Other Regions
In Sindh, hot and humid weather will persist in most districts. However, rain-wind/thundershowers are likely in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Mithi, Sanghar, Dadu, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and nearby areas. Karachi and other coastal regions may receive light rain or drizzle.
Balochistan will mostly experience hot and humid conditions, though rain and thundershowers are expected in Barkhan, Kohlu, Musakhel, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Bolan, Zhob, Ziarat, Quetta, Kalat, Mastung, Khuzdar, Awaran, Kharan, Lasbela, and surrounding areas, with chances of heavy falls at some locations.
In Kashmir, intermittent rain, wind, and thundershowers are expected, along with isolated heavy falls. Gilgit-Baltistan may witness partly cloudy conditions with chances of rain and thundershowers.
Public Safety Recommendations
The PMD has urged the public to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas, and stay updated with official weather advisories. It is essential for individuals and communities to take proactive measures to ensure safety and minimize the impact of the upcoming weather conditions.
