ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains across various parts of the country during the first week of July, with isolated instances of heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in several regions.
The PMD reports that a westerly weather system is likely to enter the upper parts of the country starting the evening or night of June 30. Moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal is anticipated to enhance this system by July 2.
The forecast highlights rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in Kashmir from July 1 to 6, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 1–5, Punjab starting from July 1–6, with heavier rainfall expected from July 3–5, Gilgit-Baltistan from July 1–5. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in several locations.
The Met Office has warned that heavy downpours may lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Nowshera, Narowal, and Sialkot.
There is also a risk of flash floods in local streams and nullahs, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and the Dera Ghazi Khan hill torrents.
Additionally, the department cautioned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable structures such as electric poles, trees, and billboards.
Authorities have advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to hilly areas during this period, while farmers are urged to plan their agricultural activities according to weather conditions.
The PMD has also requested that all concerned departments remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to minimize the impact of the expected weather system.
