Islamabad:While forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across much of the country from today (Thursday), the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued an urban flooding alert for Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
In a weather advisory, the PMD said a western disturbance is expected to affect upper parts of the country from June 11 to 13, while moisture-laden currents from the Arabian Sea are likely to penetrate northern and central regions, triggering widespread rain-bearing activity.
Under the influence of the system, rain-wind and thunderstorm activity with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms is expected in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Skardu, Gilgit and Hunza, during the period.
Similar conditions, accompanied by dust and windstorms, are likely in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Swat, Chitral, Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Mansehra and adjoining areas.
In northeastern Balochistan, dust storms and thunderstorms are expected in Zhob, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah and Dera Bugti, while upper Sindh is likely to experience mainly dust and windstorms in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Ghotki and adjoining districts.
In Punjab, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum are likely to experience scattered dust storms and rain-thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms during the three-day spell.
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad. It further cautioned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including electric poles, solar panels and billboards.
The department flagged the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and advised tourists and travellers to avoid unnecessary movement during adverse weather conditions. Farmers were urged to adjust agricultural activities in line with the forecast. The PMD advised authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
