Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received heavy rain on Saturday, making the weather pleasant.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted torrential rains with thunderstorms, cloudbursts and landslides across the region from August 23 to 27.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Swat, Shangla, Buner and other areas received rain. However, no cloudburst or mishap has been reported so far.
The cloudburst events are rapidly happening in parts of northern Pakistan, as the NDMA reported over 600 casualties in the last few months.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), heavy rains are expected in Sindh and eastern/southern Balochistan from August 27th to 29th.
The Meteorological Office has reported that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are likely to penetrate the upper parts of the country starting August 22nd.
A westerly wave is also expected to approach the upper regions on the night of August 22nd. Under the influence of these meteorological conditions, the following weather patterns are anticipated:
Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan:
Widespread rain and thundershowers, with scattered heavy falls at times, are expected in Kashmir (including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from August 23rd to 27th, with occasional gaps.
In Gilgit-Baltistan (including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), rain and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls are expected during the same period.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Widespread rain and thundershowers, with scattered heavy falls at times, are anticipated in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan from August 23rd to 26th.
Punjab and Islamabad:
Widespread rain and thundershowers are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal from August 23rd to 27th, with occasional gaps. Scattered rain and thundershowers with isolated heavy falls are also likely in Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur, and Rahimyar Khan on August 24th and 27th.
Sindh:
Rain and thundershowers are expected in Mithi, Tharparkar, Umer Kot, and Mirpurkhas from the evening/night of August 23rd to 26th, with occasional gaps.
Balochistan:
Rain and thundershowers are anticipated in Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Zhob, Kalat, and Khuzdar from the evening/night of August 23rd to 26th.
Possible Impacts & Advisories:
Torrential rains may lead to flash floods in local nullahs and streams in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Northeast Punjab, Kashmir, and hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding areas from August 23rd to 26th.
Heavy downpours could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Peshawar, Nowshera, and Mardan from August 23rd to 27th.
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Landslides and mudslides may result in road closures in vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir during the forecast period.
Heavy rain, windstorms, and lightning could damage weak structures, such as roofs and walls of kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels during the forecast period.
The public, travellers, and tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable areas and to stay updated on the latest weather conditions.
