Fresh spell of monsoon to begin from Wednesday, predicts PMD

Lahore: A new spell of monsoon rains is likely to begin from Wednesday evening and would be continued till August 18, predicted the Pakistan Meteorological Department on Tuesday.

In its fresh advisory, PMD stated that a low-pressure presently giving rain over northwestern parts of India is likely to move towards central parts of the country in next couple of days carrying strong moisture from Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal.

Under the influence of these weather system, weather forecaster informed that intense rainfall is expected in Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Kashmir. “These rains will likely affect several regions across Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.”

Following the situation, The Punjab Disaster Management Authority issued warning of high alert as torrential rains may generate flash flooding in local nullahs/streams of Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Northeast Punjab, Hill torrents of D.G Khan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Lasbella and Kashmir from 14th (night) to 16th August.

Wind and thunder-showers are also predicted in south Punjab during this period. Additionally, the spokesperson mentioned that Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Gujrat divisions are expected to experience rainfall.

In Balochistan, PMD informed that a new spell of rains will enter the province on August 15 and continue until August 18. “A strong likelihood of heavy rainfall in various districts, including Khuzdar, Qalat, Sorab, Awaran, Mastung, Naseerabad, and Jafarabad,” predicted the forecaster. 

Other areas expected to receive rain include Sohbatpur, Jhal Magsi, Kachhi, Sibbi, Panjgur, Kohlu, Musakhel, Barkhan, Loralai, Harnai, Zhob, as well as the coastal regions of Ziarat, Shirani, and Makran.

Meanwhile, Balochistan PDMA issued a warning of potential risk of flooding in rivers due to the heavy rains. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during this period and to stay vigilant for any updates or emergency instructions.