The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a severe weather alert, forecasting heavy rainfall across the country from August 27 to 31. A deep depression over North Gujarat (India) is expected to move into eastern Sindh, intensifying monsoon currents in the region. Additionally, a westerly wave will affect the upper parts of the country from August 29 onward.
Expected Rainfall:
| Region | Rainfall Forecast |
|---|---|
| Sindh | Widespread rain-wind/thundershower (scattered heavyfalls with isolated very heavyfalls) |
| Balochistan | Widespread rain-wind/thundershower (with scattered heavyfalls) |
| Punjab/Islamabad | Rain-wind/thundershower (with few heavyfalls) |
| Kashmir | Rain-wind/thundershower (with isolated heavyfalls) |
| Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa | Rain-wind/thundershower (with isolated heavyfalls) |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | Rain-wind/thunderstorm (with isolated heavyfalls) |
Potential Impacts:
- Pluvial floods/inundation: Low-lying areas in Sindh, Balochistan, and south/central Punjab could experience flooding.
- Flash flooding: Torrential rains may lead to flash floods in local nullahs/streams and hill torrents of several regions.
- Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): There is a high risk of GLOFs in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Urban flooding: Heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of several cities.
- Landslides: Heavy rains could trigger landslides in hilly areas of Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Waziristan.
- Coastal flooding: Sindh-Makran coast may experience coastal flooding.
- Damage to infrastructure: Heavy rainfall, windstorms, and lightning can damage structures, electric poles, billboards, solar panels, and disrupt daily routines.
Advisories:
- Farmers: Manage agricultural activities considering the weather forecast.
- Travelers and tourists: Exercise caution, plan travel according to weather conditions, and avoid risky situations.
- Fishermen: Avoid venturing into the open sea during the rainy period.
- Authorities: Remain alert and take necessary measures to prevent adverse situations.
The PMD has advised all concerned authorities to stay vigilant and take appropriate precautions to minimize the impact of the expected heavy rainfall. Any significant changes in the weather forecast will be communicated accordingly.
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