Monsoon rains are expected to break the heatwave across the country as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday predicted heavy rainfall in Sindh, Balochistan, central and upper parts of the country.
The Met Office said rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in several parts of Sindh, including Karachi and Balochistan, on July 8 (today) and tomorrow (Tuesday), while upper and central parts are likely to receive torrential rains from July 10 to 15.
The weather in Pakistan has remained mostly wet despite some scattered rains in the highland and central parts of the country.
However, ongoing monsoon activity is likely to affect the weather in the coming days according to the Met Office.
“The Met Office has informed that more monsoon currents are likely to enter the upper reaches of the country from the Arabian Sea from July 10,” the latest weather update said.
Monsoon rains are expected to last longer in the Kashmir region.
Under the influence of this weather system:
- Intermittent rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms in isolated heavy falls is expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur of Kashmir from July 10 to 16.
- Thunderstorms accompanied by wind causing isolated heavy rain are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar and Mianwali from afternoon of July 10 to 15 with occasional intervals.
- Rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected in other parts of Punjab including Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, DG Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan and Layyah from July 12 to 14.
- Thunderstorms accompanied by wind and isolated heavy rain are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Hangu, Kurram, Waziristan, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from July 11 to 15 with occasional intervals.
- Rain accompanied by wind, thunder and lightning is expected in eastern parts of Balochistan including Khuzdar, Kalat, Ziarat, Zhob, Barkhan, Musa Khel and Shirani today and tomorrow (July 8-9). Rain is expected to return on July 12 after a pause and continue till July 14.
However, predominantly warm and humid weather is expected in most districts of the province. - In Sindh, mainly hot and very humid weather is expected in most of the districts of the province. However, rain with wind and thunderstorm is expected in Jacobabad, Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qamber Shahdadkot, Larkana, Dadu, Padidan, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Badin, Sajawal, Thatta and Karachi today and tomorrow with occasional intervals.
The rain wave is likely to return to Sukkur, Larkana and Jacobabad on July 12 and 13. - As for Gilgit-Baltistan, the PMD has forecast mostly partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions in the province. However, rainfall is also expected in areas like Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from July 11 to 15, with occasional intervals.
Potential impacts and warnings
In light of the forecast conditions, the Met Office has warned of increased inflows into local streams and canals in Murree, Galliyat, Manshera, Kohistan and Kashmir from July 12 to 14.
Possibilities of urban flooding were also indicated in low-lying areas of northeastern Punjab.
The PMD said landslides are likely to disrupt roads at vulnerable points in the hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the rainy season.
Meanwhile, heavy rain, windstorms and lightning may affect daily routines, warning of incidents of roof or wall collapses in marginal areas as well as other weak structures such as electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels etc. during the period.
The PMD advised farmers to manage their activities keeping in mind the weather forecast, while travellers and tourists should be more cautious and manage their trips according to the weather conditions and avoid any adverse situation during the wet period.
The Met Office also ordered all relevant authorities to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation.
Karachi gets relief from scorching heat
The weather in Karachi turned pleasant on Monday afternoon with the first rain of the monsoon season, providing some respite to citizens battling the extreme heat.
Dark clouds covered several parts of Karachi, including Surjani town, which also suffered strong winds. Meanwhile, Malir Memon Goth also witnessed heavy rains with strong winds.
The much-needed rain affected different areas of the metropolis including Gulshan-e-Hadid, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Nazimabad and North Nazimabad.
Also, areas like II Chundrigar Road, Saddar and Old City experienced drizzles, putting an end to the persistent heatwave that has hit the city for the past few weeks.
