PMD Forecasts More Rain Across Upper, Central Pakistan Through Aug 23
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of rain, strong winds and thunderstorms across large parts of upper and central Pakistan from August 21 to 23, with the unsettled weather expected to affect the federal capital, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The forecast comes as monsoon currents continue to enter the country while a westerly weather system remains active over northern regions.
According to the latest outlook, intermittent rain is expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and several districts of upper Punjab during the three-day period. The combination of monsoon moisture and the westerly wave is creating conditions favourable for showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds across a broad area of the country.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi are among the major urban centres included in the forecast from the evening or night of August 21 until the morning of August 23. Rain is also expected in Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Kasur and Sheikhupura, along with surrounding areas. The forecast therefore covers a significant part of northern and central Punjab during the weekend period.
The weather system is expected to spread into additional areas of Punjab on August 22. Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sahiwal, Bhakkar, Layyah and Dera Ghazi Khan are among the districts where thunderstorms and rainfall are forecast. Residents travelling between cities or planning outdoor activities during the weekend may consequently face changing weather conditions as the system moves across the region.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to receive rain between August 21 and 23, while similar conditions are forecast for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. These areas frequently experience sharp variations in weather because of their mountainous terrain, making updated forecasts particularly important for people travelling through northern districts and tourist routes during periods of rain and thunderstorms.
Parts of Balochistan may also receive rainfall, although the province will largely remain hot and humid. The forecast identifies Musa Khel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar as areas where rain is possible on August 21 and 22. Most other areas of Balochistan, along with much of Sindh, are expected to continue experiencing hot and humid conditions during the forecast period.
The latest outlook reflects the continuing influence of Pakistan's monsoon season, during which moisture-bearing currents can interact with weather systems approaching the country's northern regions and produce rapidly changing conditions. The geographical spread of the current forecast means that both major cities and mountainous districts could experience rainfall within the same weather cycle, although conditions and intensity may vary from one location to another.
The Meteorological Department is expected to continue monitoring the movement of the monsoon currents and the westerly wave as the weekend progresses. People in the affected regions should follow updated official forecasts, particularly before travelling or organising outdoor activities. The present spell is forecast to remain active through August 23 in upper and central parts of the country, while southern regions are expected to remain predominantly hot and humid.