New spell of heavy rain begins in central and northern Pakistan

A fresh spell of heavy rain has begun in central and northern parts of Pakistan on Friday, August 21, as forecast by meteorological authorities.

The new weather system was expected to bring thunderstorms and heavy downpours to various regions through to August 23.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday issued detailed advisories for a new spell of rain and thunderstorms forecast from the evening of August 21 through August 23. The alerts follow a forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

In Punjab, heavy rain is expected in Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal divisions, with rain also forecast for Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Bahawalpur divisions. The PDMA warned of potential urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Narowal.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, and Kohat, among other areas. Authorities warned of urban flooding risks in Mardan and Swabi.

Both provinces have alerted administrations to a high risk of landslides in mountainous regions, including Murree, Galiyat, and hilly areas of KP. PDMA Punjab Director General Saif Anwar Jappa has directed all district administrations to remain on high alert, warning of possible flash floods in rainwater drains. He also urged citizens to avoid dilapidated buildings and take precautions against lightning and windstorms.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has reiterated its forecast, adding a warning for potential landslides in the mountainous areas of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan due to expected heavy rainfall. The updated advisory also notes that in contrast to the wet conditions in the north, most districts of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to experience hot weather during this period. Authorities have been advised to remain on high alert to manage any potential emergencies.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a detailed forecast for the country's seventh monsoon spell, expected from the evening of August 21 to August 23.

According to the Met Office, the weather system is expected to bring rain, wind, and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls to various regions. The forecast includes:

• Kashmir: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, and Mirpur.
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and Mardan.
• Islamabad and Punjab: The capital, Rawalpindi, Murree, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal.
• Gilgit-Baltistan: Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, and Gilgit.

Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in parts of Balochistan, including Musakhel, Barkhan, and Zhob, on August 21 and 22. Most areas of Sindh are likely to remain hot and humid.