The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms across the upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21. The weather system may cause urban flooding in major cities and landslides in hilly areas.
According to the PMD, strong monsoon currents are moving into the upper parts of Pakistan, which is expected to increase rainfall activity over the next few days.
In Punjab, the forecast includes Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, Mianwali and several other districts.
Southern Punjab is also likely to receive rainfall, particularly Faisalabad, Jhang, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, where rain is expected mainly on August 20 and 21.
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In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain with isolated heavy showers is expected in Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Malakand and other districts from August 17 to 21. Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Tank, Lakki Marwat and Waziristan are likely to receive rainfall toward the end of the forecast period.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir may experience rain and thunderstorms from the evening of August 16 through August 21, while Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to receive rainfall between August 18 and 21.
Most areas of Sindh and Balochistan are likely to remain hot and humid. However, Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar may receive rain from August 17 to 20.
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore until August 20. Landslides are also possible in the hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Azad Kashmir.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to exercise caution, while farmers have been asked to plan agricultural activities according to the expected weather conditions.
The PMD has also urged relevant authorities to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures during the forecast period.