The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a monsoon alert, forecasting widespread rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across most parts of the country between July 27 and July 31.
According to the PMD, monsoon winds have already started entering the upper and central regions with light intensity. However, stronger monsoon currents are expected to begin affecting northern areas of the country from July 28 onward, bringing with them more intense rainfall and stormy weather.
Northern Regions on High Alert:
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rain is expected at several locations, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, and Bagh. Other areas such as Hattian, Haveli, Sudhnoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur are also likely to receive rainfall, with the possibility of heavy downpours in some areas.
Gilgit-Baltistan is forecast to receive intermittent rain and thunderstorms during the same period, with a few areas expected to experience heavy showers.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, and tribal districts like Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, and Kohat. Cities like Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Waziristan, Lakki Marwat, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan are also likely to experience rainfall and thunderstorms. Some areas may witness intense rainfall.
Rain to Sweep Across Punjab and Islamabad:
In Punjab and Islamabad, rain is likely from July 28 to 31. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Galiyat will see periodic rainfall. Northern and central Punjab areas like Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad are also expected to receive rain.
Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Okara, Nankana Sahib, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, and Mianwali are also included in the forecast.
In South Punjab, rainfall is likely in Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Kot Addu between July 29 and 31.
Rain Also Expected in Balochistan and Sindh:
From July 29 to 31, northeastern and southern Balochistan will likely receive rainfall. Areas on the alert include Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibi, Harnai, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Lasbela, Awaran, Khuzdar, Quetta, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Ziarat, Kalat, and Sherani. Some of these may experience heavy rain with thunderstorms.
In Sindh, rainfall is expected between July 30 and 31, though the weather will mostly remain hot and humid. Rain may fall in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, and Khairpur, while areas like Dadu, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Sanghar, Sukkur, Ghotki, and Larkana might also see some showers.
The PMD has urged citizens to stay cautious during the rainy spell, especially in flood-prone and hilly regions. The risk of urban flooding and landslides remains, particularly in areas expecting heavy downpours.
