Torrential Rains Forecast Across Pakistan from August 23 Onward

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted “more torrential rains are likely in Pakistan on August 23 onward,” as strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are expected to enter the country’s upper regions on August 22. A westerly wave is also set to approach the north the same night.

According to the PMD, heavy downpours will affect the upper and central parts of the country between August 23 and 27, while Sindh and eastern/southern Balochistan are expected to experience intense rainfall from August 27 to 29.

In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, widespread rains with scattered heavy to very heavy falls are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Diamir, Skardu, Hunza and other areas. Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will face heavy showers in districts including Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

Punjab and Islamabad will also receive widespread rains, with heavy falls in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Murree, while scattered rains are likely in Multan, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. Parts of Sindh including Tharparkar, Umer Kot, and Mirpurkhas, along with Balochistan’s Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat, and Khuzdar, are also forecast to receive rainfall.

The PMD has warned that torrential downpours may trigger flash floods in hilly streams of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Urban flooding is possible in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Nowshera and Mardan. Landslides in Murree, Galiyat and northern regions could also disrupt transportation.

Authorities have advised residents and travelers to exercise caution, as heavy rains and windstorms may damage weak structures, electric poles, vehicles, billboards, and solar panels.