PMD predicts monsoon rain across country from July 24-28

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain and thunderstorms across the country over the next three to four days as an active monsoon system affects southern and central Pakistan.

According to the Met Office, a low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and nearby areas is driving monsoon currents into Pakistan, with rain expected from July 24 to 27.

In Sindh, rain with isolated heavy falls is likely in districts including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Thatta and Badin. Karachi is expected to remain cloudy with light rain during the forecast period.

In Punjab, rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are forecast for Lahore, Sheikhupura, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and several other cities. Some areas may receive heavy rainfall.

The PMD also predicted rain and thunderstorms in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.

In Balochistan, rain is expected in northern and northeastern districts such as Zhob, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar and Awaran, with isolated heavy downpours.

Rain is also forecast for parts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days.

The Met Office warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in cities including Lahore, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Multan, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Thatta and Badin between July 24 and 26.

It also cautioned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures and advised travellers, tourists and farmers to take necessary precautions. Authorities have been urged to remain alert during the forecast period.