Pakistan Braces for Seventh Monsoon Spell From August 21 to 23

Seventh monsoon spell will bring widespread rains across upper and central parts of Pakistan from Friday through the weekend. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), monsoon currents are continuously penetrating the upper and central regions of the country, while a westerly wave is also affecting the upper parts. The combination of these weather systems is likely to produce rain, wind and thunderstorms in several areas. Kashmir Rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the night of August 21 to August 23, with intermittent breaks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rain, wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy rainfall, are forecast in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, D.I. Khan, Bannu and Waziristan from the evening/night of August 21 through August 23, with occasional gaps. Islamabad and Punjab Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib are expected to receive rain, wind and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy falls, from the evening/night of August 21 until the morning of August 23. Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan and Dera Ghazi Khan may receive rain and thunderstorms on August 22. Gilgit-Baltistan Rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from the evening/night of August 21 to August 23, with intermittent breaks. Sindh and Balochistan Most areas of Sindh and Balochistan are likely to remain hot and humid. However, rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar during the evening/night of August 21 and on August 22. Possible Impacts and Safety Advisories Heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore during the weekend. Flash flooding is also possible in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, the Galliyat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Landslides may occur in mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, the Galliyat and Kashmir. The Met Office has advised tourists and travellers to exercise caution during the forecast period. Farmers have also been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the expected weather and ensure the safety of their livestock.