Monday weather: heavy rain, flood threat in multiple regions

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast for Monday indicating partly cloudy conditions with the possibility of rain, strong winds, and thundershowers across several regions, including Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Going region by region, Islamabad and surrounding areas are expected to remain partly cloudy, with rain, strong winds, and thundershowers forecast. Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated locations.

Also read: Rising water levels trigger flood warnings at Guddu Barrage

In Punjab, cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, and others may experience partly cloudy weather with thundershowers and strong winds. Heavy rainfall is possible in some areas.

Chakwal has been receiving heavy rain for the past three hours, and low-lying areas have already been flooded. Several feeders have also tripped, and power system is disrupted in many areas. Chakwal administration has also issued alert in Nurpur area of ​​Sumit Tehsil Kallar Kahar.

Likewise, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain, wind, and thundershowers are forecast at scattered locations including Peshawar, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kohat, Bannu, and DI Khan. Heavy rainfall may occur at isolated spots. As per morning weather reports, rain has started to come down once again in the flood-hit Buner.

Heavy rains are also causing difficulties in relief work. The temporary communication bridges built in the affected areas are feared to be washed away. Volunteers of welfare organisations are also facing difficulties in reaching the affected villages. The District Administration said that it is monitoring the situation, and has warned citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.

In Sindh, PMD predicted that most districts are likely to remain humid and partly cloudy. However, some locations such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Sukkur, and Mirpur Khas might receive rain with strong winds and thundershowers.

For Balochistan, the weather prediction is also hot and humid for most areas. Partly cloudy skies and the likelihood of rain is forecast for some districts including Zhob, Khuzdar, Dera Bugti, and Lasbela. Some areas may experience heavy rainfall.

Both, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, are forecast to see partly cloudy weather with a chance of rain, wind, and thundershowers. Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations.

FLOOD WARNING

The PMD has issued warnings for potential flash flood risks associated with the forecasted weather today and tomorrow, and perhaps coming few more days. The flooding alerts have been issued for local streams and rivers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, the Potohar region, DG Khan, Koh-e-Suleman, and northeastern Balochistan.

There is also a possibility of urban inundation in the low-lying areas in northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Nowshera. Southeastern Sindh may experience waterlogging.

There is also a possibility of landslides in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat, and Kashmir.

Also read: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flood death toll climbs to 379, more rains coming

The adverse weather conditions may cause disruption to infrastructure and daily life as well. Vulnerable infrastructure such as mud houses, electricity poles, and billboards are especially at risk. Travel and daily activities may also be affected, PMD said.

Travelers and tourists are advised to stay updated on weather reports and plan movements accordingly to avoid disruptions or hazards.