A fresh spell of rain is expected to affect various parts of Pakistan from today (Monday, July 6) until 10 July, with authorities warning of possible flash floods, urban flooding and landslides in hilly areas. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a strong weather system is expected to enter the country on 6 July, bringing thunderstorms and rainfall to Islamabad, Potohar Plateau, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and north-eastern parts of Punjab.

Rain has already begun in several districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Kasur and Okara, bringing relief from the intense summer heat. Narowal and surrounding areas also experienced cooler and more pleasant weather following rainfall. The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast that cloud cover would develop over Islamabad later in the day, with rain expected during the evening and night. Temperatures in the capital are likely to reach 40°C, while winds of around seven kilometres per hour are expected.

Humidity levels were recorded at more than 33 percent. In Karachi, skies are expected to remain cloudy all day, with light drizzle possible in some areas. However, humid conditions are likely to persist. The temperature is forecast to rise to 37°C, while air quality remains at satisfactory levels, with particulate matter recorded below 100 micrograms per cubic metre. Thunderstorms and rainfall are expected in Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to experience partly cloudy weather. Meteorologists also forecast partly cloudy conditions along the coastal areas of Balochistan.

The NDMA said rainfall is expected to intensify on 7 July across Islamabad, the Potohar region, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab and northern Balochistan. Between 7 and 10 July, intermittent rain and isolated heavy downpours are forecast in the upper catchment areas of the Indus River, Jhelum River, Chenab River, Ravi River and Sutlej River. The authority noted that inflows into Tarbela Dam and Mangla Dam could increase slightly as a result of the anticipated rainfall.

Water levels in major rivers are also expected to rise modestly during the forecast period. Despite the expected increase in rainfall, the NDMA said there was currently no threat of large-scale river flooding. However, it warned that hill torrents, seasonal streams and smaller waterways could experience sudden surges in water flow, creating a risk of localised flooding. Authorities further cautioned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas and increase the likelihood of landslides in mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)