The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of rain and thunderstorms across several parts of the country from August 21 to 23. The department said monsoon currents are continuously penetrating the upper and central parts of Pakistan, while a westerly wave is also present over the upper areas.
In Kashmir, rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur. The weather system may bring isolated heavy rainfall from the night of August 21 until August 23, with occasional breaks.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to receive widespread rain and thunderstorms. Areas including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner and Kohat may experience rainfall with isolated heavy spells.
The weather system is also expected to affect Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan from August 21 evening or night until August 23.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi are also expected to receive rain, wind and thunderstorms. The spell may affect the twin cities from August 21 evening or night until the morning of August 23, with isolated heavy rainfall possible.
Several upper Punjab districts are also included in the weather alert. Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala and Hafizabad may receive rain and thunderstorms.
Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib are also expected to receive rainfall during the forecast period. Some areas could experience isolated heavy falls during the monsoon spell.
Other parts of Punjab are expected to receive rain on August 22. These areas include Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Gilgit-Baltistan is also expected to remain affected by the weather system. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from August 21 evening or night until August 23.
Meanwhile, most parts of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain hot and humid. However, rain and thunderstorms are likely in Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar on August 21 evening or night and August 22.
The latest forecast indicates that several regions could experience heavy rainfall during the coming days. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain alert and follow updates issued by the relevant authorities.
