Weather alert: Heavy rains forecast from July 1 to 6 as flood risk grows
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast pre-monsoon rains during the first week of July. The weather system is expected to affect many parts of the country, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall.
According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), most districts of Punjab are likely to receive rain, windstorms and hailstorms from July 1 to 6. Authorities have warned of possible urban flooding in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Faisalabad.
The Met Office said a fresh weather system of western winds may enter the country from the evening or night of June 30. At the same time, moisture from the Arabian Sea is moving into eastern and central parts of Pakistan, increasing the chances of widespread rainfall.
From July 1 to 6, rain with thunderstorms is expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Some areas could also experience strong winds and isolated hailstorms.
A PDMA spokesperson said rain is expected from July 1 in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Nankana Sahib, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and several other districts. Commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab have been placed on alert to deal with any emergency.
The Met Office and PDMA also warned that temperatures in Gilgit-Baltistan during the last week of June have been recorded up to 6 degrees Celsius above normal. The unusually high temperatures could speed up the melting of snow and glaciers.
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Officials warned that rapid glacier melting may increase the risk of landslides, glacial lake outburst floods and flash floods in streams and rivers. People living in mountainous areas have been advised to remain alert and take extra precautions during changing weather conditions.
The authorities also warned that low-lying urban areas could face flooding if heavy rain continues. Heat stress is also expected in several regions, while temperatures in the plains may rise above 45 degrees Celsius.
In addition, urban flooding is likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad between July 1 and 4. Emergency departments have been advised to stay prepared for any weather-related incidents.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to remain hot and dry during the next 24 hours. Temperatures are likely to increase further in both the plains and upper districts before the arrival of widespread rainfall.
The coming weather system could bring much-needed rain but also serious risks in many areas. People should follow official weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain and storms.
