PMD warns of heavy monsoon rains, urban flooding from July 29

According to the PMD, moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal will affect the upper and central parts of Pakistan. A strong westerly weather system is also expected to enter the country from August 1, further intensifying the rainfall.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir is likely to receive rain and thunderstorms from Tuesday night until August 5, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected at isolated places. Heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are also forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat and most districts of Punjab from July 29 to August 4.

In southern Punjab, including Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, rainfall is expected between July 31 and August 3.

Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls from July 29 to August 5. Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall from Tuesday evening until August 6.

The PMD said eastern and southern Balochistan are expected to receive rain, with heavy falls at isolated places, from the evening of July 31 to August 3. Several districts of Sindh are also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms from the evening of July 31 to August 2.

The weather department warned that urban flooding could occur in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore, Multan and Faisalabad between July 30 and August 4.

Low-lying areas of Sindh, including Nawabshah, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan and Tando Allahyar, may also face flooding due to heavy rainfall. The PMD further warned of possible landslides in the mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from July 30 to August 5.

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It also cautioned that flash floods could occur in hill torrents across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and northeastern Balochistan. The PMD warned that strong winds, heavy rain and lightning could damage vulnerable houses, solar panels, electricity poles and billboards during the wet spell.

The department advised citizens, tourists and travellers to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and follow all safety precautions. Farmers have been urged to plan their agricultural activities according to the forecast, while livestock owners have been advised to ensure the safety of their animals.

The PMD has also directed all relevant authorities to remain on high alert and complete precautionary measures to respond effectively to any weather-related emergency.