PMD Forecasts Heavy Rainfall; Authorities, Citizens Urged to Exercise Caution

Islamabad: The Meteorological Department has forecasted a rise in rainfall intensity over most parts of Pakistan in the coming days, issuing warnings to relevant agencies and the public to remain vigilant.

According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), today’s weather will bring light to heavy rainfall in Islamabad, several districts of Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Currently, western winds are influencing northern and upper regions of the country, bringing moisture and cooler temperatures to upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Balochistan. The intensity of these western winds is expected to increase significantly from August 17, accelerating the rainfall pattern.

Between August 14 and 17, heavy showers are likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Gilgit, Skardu, and surrounding areas. Some locations may also experience strong winds and thunderstorms.

PDMA has further warned that starting August 17, a new system of moist winds from the Bay of Bengal will enter the country. These will combine with the western winds to form a powerful weather system, leading to heavy rainfall across most regions from August 18 to 21. Cities expected to be affected include Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Quetta, Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and neighboring areas.

Authorities have cautioned that this period may see increased risks of landslides in hilly areas, urban flooding, and flash floods in rivers and streams, particularly in cities and low-lying zones.

The PDMA spokesperson urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution when outdoors, consider relocating if living near rivers or streams, monitor weather updates closely, and implement safety measures to prevent loss of life and property.

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