PMD issues nationwide monsoon rain alert

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains, thunderstorms and strong winds

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains, thunderstorms and strong winds across most parts of the country from July 24 to July 28, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding and disrupt normal life in several regions.

According to the latest weather advisory, a low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas is drawing strong monsoon currents into Pakistan. Under its influence, rain of varying intensity is expected across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the next few days.

In Sindh, moderate to heavy rain is expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Thatta. Karachi is also likely to receive light rain and cloudy weather during the forecast period.

In Punjab, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Khanewal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree and several nearby districts. Some places may experience heavy downpours.

The weather department has also predicted rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat and other districts until July 27.

In Balochistan, rainfall is expected in Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar and surrounding areas. Isolated heavy rainfall is also possible in some locations.

The forecast further includes rain and thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Astore. Similar weather conditions are expected in Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Bagh, Poonch, Mirpur, Kotli and nearby areas.

The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall may lead to urban flooding in cities including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Badin and several other low-lying areas. Strong winds and lightning may also damage weak buildings, electric poles, trees and temporary structures.

Tourists travelling to mountainous regions have been advised to remain cautious due to the risk of slippery roads, flash floods and landslides. Farmers have also been urged to plan agricultural activities carefully and take necessary measures to protect standing crops and livestock from adverse weather.

Provincial governments and disaster management authorities have been directed to remain on alert throughout the forecast period. Rescue services, emergency response teams and drainage machinery have been placed on standby to respond quickly to any weather-related incidents.