ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast the arrival of a fresh and powerful monsoon system across the country from July 29, warning of widespread heavy rainfall, strong winds and thunderstorms in several regions.
According to the PMD, the new weather system is expected to trigger torrential rain in different parts of the country, increasing the risk of urban flooding, water accumulation in low-lying areas and flash floods in hill torrents.
The department said intermittent rainfall is likely to continue over the next 24 hours in Lahore and several districts of Punjab, where heavy downpours may disrupt the urban drainage system and lead to flooding in vulnerable areas.
Meteorologists said the fresh monsoon spell beginning on July 29 will mainly affect Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the upper catchment areas of major rivers, with isolated locations expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The PMD also warned that water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers could rise further over the next 24 hours, urging the relevant authorities to remain on high alert and ensure precautionary measures are in place to deal with any emergency.
According to official rainfall data, Noorpur Thal recorded 115mm of rain during the past 24 hours, followed by Gujranwala with 107mm and Gujrat with 94mm, making them among the areas receiving the heaviest rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season.
The weather department has advised the public, particularly residents of low-lying areas, communities living near rivers, and people travelling to hilly regions, to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow safety advisories issued by the authorities.
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