ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday morning, as a fresh monsoon spell entered the country.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal along with a westerly system are causing rain, wind, and thunderstorms across northern parts of the country.
Islamabad is experiencing misty conditions with thunderstorms. The temperature is around 25°C with 94% humidity. Thunderstorms are forecast for tonight with a high chance of rain. Wednesday is expected to see morning thunderstorms with more rain likely.
PMD has forecast rain-wind and thunderstorms with moderate to heavy falls across KP, including Abbottabad, Batagram, Buner, Chitral, Haripur, Kohat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Mardan, Nowshera, Shangla, Swabi, Swat, Tor Ghar and Dir.
A similar spell is expected in several districts of KP from the evening of July 19 to July 23. Pakistan Meteorological Department warned that heavy rains may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Nowshera from July 30 to August 4.
Landslides are also possible in vulnerable areas of upper KP, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Buner, Battagram, Mansehra, Haripur and Abbottabad from July 30 to August 5. Flash floods may occur in local streams and nullahs of Islamabad, KP, and Murree, Galliyat during the spell.
Authorities have advised tourists and residents to remain cautious, and urged farmers to plan crop activities accordingly. Strong winds and lightning could also damage weak structures like solar panels and electricity poles. The fresh wet spell is expected to continue across Islamabad, upper Punjab, AJK, KP and GB from July 29.
Read also: KP on Weather Alert: Heavy Rains, Landslides and Flash Floods Forecast.
