The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a forecast on Monday anticipating a nationwide monsoon spell commencing in early July.
This annual weather phenomenon, occurring from June to September, is vital for replenishing water reserves and alleviating summer heat. However, excessive rainfall poses risks of fatal floods, landslides, and population displacement, particularly in areas with inadequate drainage or high population density.
According to the advisory, a westerly wave is projected to move into northern regions from June 30, accompanied by continuous moisture infiltration from the Arabian Sea into eastern and central areas.
Under this system, isolated heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and thunderstorms are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur between July 1 and 6.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience similar conditions from July 1 to 5, including scattered rain, windstorms, and isolated heavy falls in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu, Waziristan, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Additional rainfall is forecast for Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Narowal from July 1 to 6.
Balochistan is expected to receive rain in northern and northeastern districts—Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, and Dera Bugti—from July 1 to 4.
Sindh could see rain in Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, and Naushahro Feroze on July 3 and 4.
The PMD cautioned that severe weather could damage infrastructure, including solar panels, electrical poles, and advertising boards. Landslides in vulnerable regions of northern KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir are anticipated between July 1 and 6. Flash flooding is possible in local streams and nullahs of Kashmir, KP, GB, and Gilgit-Baltistan tea plantations from July 2 to 5.
Urban flooding risks are highlighted for Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Faisalabad during July 1-4. The department advises tourists to avoid travel and urges farmers to adjust agricultural operations, noting that the hot and humid conditions will ease during this period.
