The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in several parts of the country over the next 24 hours while warning of possible urban flooding, hill torrents and rising river levels as monsoon activity intensifies.
According to the Met Office, no flood-generating rainfall is expected before July 28. However, a stronger spell of monsoon rains is likely to begin from July 29, bringing widespread rainfall to Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and the upper catchments of major rivers.
The PMD said the approaching weather system could significantly increase rainfall across northern and central parts of the country. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and monitor official weather updates as conditions may change rapidly during the upcoming monsoon spell.
The Flood Forecasting Division reported that the overall river situation remains under control. However, it noted high water flows in the Chenab River at Marala and the Ravi River at Balloki. Meanwhile, the Indus, Jhelum and Kabul rivers are currently flowing at low flood levels.
Officials expect water levels in the Chenab and Ravi rivers to increase further over the next 24 hours due to continued rainfall in the catchment areas. The Indus River is expected to remain at low flood levels during the next 48 hours, although authorities will continue to monitor conditions closely.
The PMD also said rainfall will continue in Lahore and several other districts through July 27. During the past 24 hours, Noorpur Thal recorded the highest rainfall with 115 millimetres, followed by Gujranwala with 107 millimetres and Gujrat with 94 millimetres. Lahore has received approximately 450 millimetres of rain over the past five days, increasing the risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas.
In Karachi, the weather department has forecast light rain and drizzle over the next two days. Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in several districts of interior Sindh, including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin and Sanghar, as strong monsoon currents move in from the Arabian Sea.
The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall combined with strong winds and lightning could trigger urban flooding, flash floods in hilly areas and damage to weak structures. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, follow official advisories and take precautionary measures to ensure their safety throughout the ongoing monsoon season.
Also read: PMD Issues Hot and Humid Weather Forecast for Karachi
