PESHAWAR:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is experiencing active monsoon weather as the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain, thunderstorms, and the risk of flash floods and landslides across the province from till July 23.
In Peshawar today it is mostly cloudy with a temperature of 26°C and humidity at 91%. Scattered thunderstorms are expected tonight and thunderstorms are likely tomorrow morning with a high chance of rain. Air quality remains in the moderate category. Swat is recording 36°C and feels like 37°C with 25% humidity and light winds.
The Met Office has warned of a dual weather system as Arabian Sea monsoon currents meet a westerly disturbance. This is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in many parts of the country. For KP, the main concerns are flash floods and landslides in the northern and mountainous areas between July 20 and July 25. Urban flooding is also expected in Peshawar and other major cities from July 21 to 23 due to intense rain. Windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.
The PMD has forecast near-normal to slightly above-normal rainfall for northern districts of the province.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Shafi Jan said that all relevant departments and district administrations are on high alert. Early warning systems and monitoring of sensitive glacial sites are operational and PDMA is monitoring the situation in real time. Citizens, especially tourists in northern areas, have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk locations. The PDMA helpline 1700 is active for emergencies.
For the next two days in Peshawar, Tuesday July 21 is expected to see thunderstorms with heavy rain and a high of 29°C and low of 24°C. Wednesday July 22 will have scattered thunderstorms with a high of 31°C and low of 24°C.
Authorities have advised the public to stay away from rivers, streams and nullahs and to follow all safety instructions issued by the government.
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