Met Office forecasts rain, thunderstorms from August 16 to 21

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms across several parts of Pakistan from August 16 to 21, with isolated heavy rainfall expected in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and upper Punjab.

According to the weather outlook, rain is expected in AJK from August 16 to 21, with strong winds and thunderstorms likely in several areas.

Rain has been forecast in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli and Mirpur, as well as other areas of AJK, during the period.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected from August 17 to 21.

According to the Met Office, Peshawar, Dir, Chitral, Swat, Malakand and Mardan are among the areas likely to receive rain, while other parts of the province may also experience wet weather.

Rain has also been forecast in southern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan, on August 20 and 21.

Rain in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and upper Punjab

The PMD has forecast rain in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galiyat region and other parts of upper Punjab from August 16 to 21.

It has also forecast intermittent rain in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, Mianwali and adjoining areas during the period.

Rain is also expected in Faisalabad, Jhang, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan on August 20 and 21.

The anticipated rainfall is likely to bring temporary relief from hot and humid conditions in several areas, although heavy downpours may also cause localised water accumulation and other weather-related disruptions.

G-B to receive rain from August 18

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the Met Office has forecast intermittent rain accompanied by thunderstorms in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from August 18 to 21.

The PMD said that, given the mountainous terrain of the region, heavy rainfall in vulnerable areas could increase the risk of localised flash flooding, landslides and disruption to road links.

Rain in parts of Balochistan

Most parts of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain hot and humid during the forecast period.

However, rain is likely in parts of northern and central Balochistan from August 17 to 20.

The Met Office has forecast rain in Musa Khel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar during the period.

The PMD has advised residents in areas expected to receive heavy rain to remain alert to changing weather conditions, particularly in vulnerable mountainous and low-lying areas.

The latest forecast comes as monsoon rains continue to affect several parts of the country, with upper regions expected to receive the bulk of the rainfall over the coming days.