Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday warned that widespread rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls, are expected across the upper and central parts of the country over the next two days, with risks of urban flooding, flash floods, landslides and damage to vulnerable infrastructure.
In its latest weather advisory issued on Monday afternoon, the PMD said moist currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously penetrating the upper parts of the country, while another spell of moisture from the Bay of Bengal is expected to enter northeastern regions from Monday evening and night. A westerly weather system is also likely to approach the upper parts of the country within the next 12 hours, enhancing rainfall activity.
According to the forecast, scattered rain, windstorms and thunderstorms with isolated heavy rainfall are expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the night of July 6 until July 8.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the department has forecast rain and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan and Hangu from Monday night to July 8. Rain is also expected in Waziristan, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan on July 7 and 8.
The PMD said Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Okara and Kasur are also likely to receive scattered rain, windstorms and thunderstorms with isolated heavy rainfall from Monday evening through July 8. Rain is expected in Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur on July 7 and 8.
Rain and thunderstorms are also forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar districts on July 7 and 8.
In Balochistan, isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Musakhel, Naseerabad, Harnai, Sibi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti and Khuzdar from the night of July 7 into July 8.
While most parts of Sindh are expected to remain hot and humid, isolated rain and thunderstorms are likely in Tharparkar, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Qambar Shahdadkot and Naushahro Feroze on July 7 and 8.
The PMD warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including electric poles, solar panels and billboards. It also cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir between July 7 and 8, while local streams, nullahs and hill torrents, particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan, could experience sudden rises in water levels.
Heavy rainfall may also trigger urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad during July 7 and 8, the advisory said.
The department advised tourists and travellers to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period, while farmers were urged to plan agricultural activities according to the expected weather and ensure protection of livestock.
The PMD further directed all concerned federal and provincial authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimise the risk of weather-related emergencies.