ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecasted continuous monsoon rains in the northern and central parts of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), during the weekend.
Met Office has informed that monsoon currents are continuously penetrating the upper and central parts of the country, and a westerly wave is also present over the upper parts of the country.
Under the influence of this weather system, rain, wind, and thundershowers are expected in Azad Kashmir’s Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from August 21 (night) to August 23 with occasional gaps.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa: rain and thundershower with isolated heavyfalls is expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, D.I Khan, Bannu, Waziristan from August 21 (night) to August 23 with occasional gaps.
Moreover, PMD also forecasted heavy rainfall for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib from August 21 (night) to August 23 with occasional gaps.
While the rain will continue till August 22 in Punjab’s Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, D.G. Khan.
“Rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar from 21st (evening/ night) to 23rd August with occasional gaps,” the Met Office added.
On the other hand, mainly hot and humid weather will prevail in most parts of the country, including Sindh and Balochistan. However, rain-wind/thundershower is expected in Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat, and Khuzdar on August 21 (evening/night) and August 22.
Urban flooding, landslides threat
The Met Office further said that heavy rains may cause Urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Lahore during the weekend.
“Heavy rain may cause flash flooding in local streams and Nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi during the forecast period,” it added.
Furthermore, it added that landslides may occur in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir during the forecast period.
The department urged the tourists and travelers to remain cautious during the forecast period. “Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities, keeping in view the weather conditions, and take care of their livestock as well.”
