PMD Warns of Flooding as Heavy Rains Target Upper Pakistan

Pakistan’s meteorological authorities have issued a fresh weather alert for large parts of the country, warning that a combination of monsoon moisture and an approaching western weather system could trigger rain, thunderstorms and potentially hazardous conditions across upper regions from August 29 into early September. The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the spell could produce isolated heavy downpours, increasing the threat of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

According to the forecast, Kashmir is expected to receive intermittent rain, wind and thunderstorms from the evening of August 28 through September 6. The affected belt includes Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Hattian, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur. The prolonged period of unsettled weather could create difficulties for residents and travellers, particularly in mountainous districts where intense rainfall can rapidly affect roads and slopes.

Islamabad, Rawalpindi and a wide stretch of upper Punjab are also expected to experience wet and windy conditions. The forecast covers Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal and several surrounding districts between August 29 and September 5. From September 1, the weather system is expected to extend into additional central Punjab districts including Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara, Kasur, Layyah, Bhakkar and Pakpattan.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faces a similar risk during the coming week. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Peshawar, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Kohistan, Malakand, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad and several tribal and adjoining districts from August 29 to September 5. Southern districts including Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Karak and Waziristan are expected to come under the system mainly between September 1 and September 4.

Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to see rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms from August 30 through September 6, including in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Shigar. In contrast, Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain mainly hot and humid during the period covered by the advisory, highlighting the uneven impact of the current monsoon pattern across Pakistan.

The most serious concern identified by the PMD is the possibility of heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems and waterways. Low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Mardan and Swabi could experience urban flooding between August 31 and September 5. Flash flooding may also develop in streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while unstable slopes could trigger landslides in mountainous parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and the Murree-Galliyat region.

Authorities have advised tourists and other travellers to exercise caution and urged farmers to schedule agricultural activity according to changing weather conditions. Relevant government departments have been told to remain alert and take preventive measures where required. With the forecast extending into the first week of September, residents in affected regions are expected to closely monitor official updates through the PMD website and the Pak Weather application as conditions develop.