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ISLAMABAD: The first pre-monsoon spell has reached Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the Pakistan Meteorological Department warns of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides and urban flooding across northern and central regions through July 2.
According to the PMD, a westerly weather system is currently affecting the upper and central regions of Pakistan, while moist currents from the Arabian Sea continue to penetrate eastern and central areas. Additional moisture from the Bay of Bengal is expected to reach the upper parts of the country from July 2, likely intensifying rainfall activity.
The Met Office warned that widespread rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy downpours, are expected through Wednesday and Thursday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and northeastern Balochistan. Hot and humid weather is expected to persist in other parts of the country.
Authorities have warned that heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Azad Kashmir. Flash flooding is also feared in local streams and nullahs, while hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan may experience sudden flooding.
The PMD further cautioned that urban flooding could occur in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Lahore and Faisalabad during periods of intense rainfall.
Strong winds and lightning associated with thunderstorms may damage weak infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles, billboards and temporary structures, prompting authorities to advise the public to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious during severe weather.
During the past 24 hours, isolated rain and thunderstorms were recorded in parts of Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Punjab. Kakul received the highest rainfall at 36 millimetres, followed by Malam Jabba with 25 millimetres, Balakot with 17 millimetres, Muzaffarabad with 19 millimetres, Khuzdar with 12 millimetres and Murree with 3 millimetres.
The Meteorological Department has urged provincial administrations, emergency response agencies and residents in vulnerable areas to remain on alert and take precautionary measures in view of the expected adverse weather conditions.
