PMD Forecasts Widespread Monsoon Rains Across Pakistan Until July 25
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains, thunderstorms, and windstorms in several parts of the country over the coming days as a strong weather system continues to influence Pakistan.
According to the latest weather advisory, moist monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to strengthen over the weekend, while a westerly weather system is likely to approach the country’s northern regions on July 20.
Rain Expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
The PMD forecasts periods of rain, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall in several areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), including:
- Neelum Valley
- Muzaffarabad
- Rawalakot
- Poonch
- Hattian Bala
- Bagh
- Haveli
- Sudhnoti
- Kotli
- Bhimber
- Mirpur
The wet spell is expected to continue from July 18 to July 25, with occasional breaks.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab Likely to Receive Heavy Rain
Several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, with moderate to heavy rainfall possible between July 19 and July 23.
In Punjab, the PMD has forecast rainfall for cities including:
- Lahore
- Rawalpindi
- Murree
- Gujranwala
- Faisalabad
- Sialkot
- Sheikhupura
- Narowal
- Gujrat
- Sargodha
Rain is also expected in southern Punjab districts such as Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, and nearby areas between July 20 and July 24.
Weather Outlook for Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and Sindh
The PMD said parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Ghanche, and Shigar, are likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall from July 18 to July 25.
In Balochistan, northeastern districts such as Zhob, Loralai, Sibi, Kohlu, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, and surrounding areas may experience rain and thunderstorms between July 19 and July 23.
Most parts of Sindh are expected to remain hot and humid. However, isolated rain and thunderstorms are possible in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu, and Jacobabad from July 20 to July 24.
PMD Advises Caution
The weather department has advised the public to remain cautious during periods of heavy rain.
According to the PMD:
- Strong winds and lightning may damage weak structures, including electric poles, billboards, and solar panel installations.
- Heavy rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Water accumulation may occur in low-lying urban areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan between July 20 and July 23.
The department has also advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas during the forecast period and encouraged farmers to plan agricultural activities according to the expected weather conditions.
