Islamabad: As moist monsoon currents continue to sweep across the country, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high alert for widespread heavy to very heavy rains starting from the evening of July 5, warning of flash floods, urban flooding, landslides, and structural damage in several regions.
A fresh westerly wave is also expected to enter upper Pakistan on July 6, further intensifying rainfall in the coming days.
According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is forecast in a vast swathe of the country, including Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Islamabad, northeastern and southern Balochistan, and southeastern Sindh including Karachi.
The wet spell is likely to persist till July 10, with occasional gaps, and is expected to cause significant disruption in both urban and rural areas.
In Kashmir, heavy downpours are predicted in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and adjoining areas. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, torrential rain is expected in Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Buner, Kohat, and Peshawar, among others.
Northern Punjab and Islamabad are also in the danger zone, with potential for urban flooding in cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sialkot from July 6 to 8. Southern Punjab districts such as Multan, Bahawalpur, D.G. Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan may experience strong thunderstorms and heavy showers between July 6 and 8.
In Balochistan, flash flooding is likely in hilly areas of Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, and Kohlu, with moderate to heavy rainfall predicted from July 3 and then again from July 6 to 8. Sindh is also expected to receive light to moderate showers with isolated heavy falls in Tharparkar, Sanghar, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Badin, and Karachi starting the evening of July 3.
The PMD has warned that the intense rainfall may cause flash floods in local streams and nullahs of hilly regions, including parts of Balochistan, upper KP, and northeast Punjab.
Urban flooding is expected in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Nowshera, and Peshawar. Landslides and road blockages are feared in vulnerable mountain areas of KP, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Met Office has advised farmers to plan agricultural activities accordingly and cautioned the public, tourists, and travelers to remain vigilant during the wet spell. Weak infrastructure—such as katcha houses, electricity poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar installations—may sustain damage from windstorms and lightning during the forecast period.
Authorities have been directed to remain on high alert and take all necessary precautions to minimize loss of life and property.
The PMD has urged citizens to stay updated through official weather updates on its website and Kissan mobile application and to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas until the weather stabilizes.
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