Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rainfall across much of the country during the first week of July, warning of possible urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
The weather office said a westerly weather system is expected to enter the country on the evening or night of June 30. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are likely to influence eastern and central parts of the country, while humid air from the Bay of Bengal is forecast to reach the upper regions from July 2, intensifying monsoon activity.
Under the combined influence of these weather systems, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected across Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from July 1 to July 6, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan from July 1 to July 5, and the northern and northeastern districts of Balochistan from July 1 to July 4.
The PMD said most areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and Sindh are expected to receive rainfall between July 1 and July 6.
In Sindh, rain is forecast on July 3 and 4 in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana and adjoining districts. The department said no rainfall is currently expected in Karachi.
The Met Office warned that heavy downpours could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Nowshera and Faisalabad between July 1 and July 4.
It also cautioned that from July 2 to July 6, heavy rainfall may generate flash floods in streams and hill torrents and increase the risk of landslides in mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid taking shelter near weak structures, electricity poles and billboards during heavy rain and strong winds, while travellers have been urged to exercise heightened caution, particularly in hilly and flood-prone areas.