ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast intensified rainfall across most parts of the country in the coming days, urging citizens and authorities to stay alert.
According to the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), light to heavy showers are expected today (Wednesday) in Islamabad, various districts of Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Currently, a westerly weather system is affecting northern and upper regions, bringing cool and moist conditions to upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern Balochistan. From August 17, this system is expected to strengthen, leading to heavier downpours.
Between August 14 and 17, heavy rain is likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Gilgit, Skardu, and nearby areas. Thunderstorms with strong winds are also possible.
The PDMA warned that from August 17, a new spell of moist winds from the Bay of Bengal will combine with westerlies to form a powerful weather system. This could bring widespread heavy rainfall from August 18 to 21 across major cities including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Quetta, Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, and adjoining areas.
Authorities have cautioned about an increased risk of landslides in hilly areas, urban flooding in low-lying regions, and flash floods in streams and nullahs.
The PDMA has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from open areas, relocate if living near rivers or streams, monitor weather updates, and follow safety guidelines to prevent loss of life and property.