The PMD nationwide rain forecast has warned of widespread rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms across Pakistan as strong monsoon currents continue to move into the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the weather system will strengthen over the weekend, while a western disturbance is expected to enter northern regions on Monday, increasing rainfall intensity in many areas.
According to the Met Office, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will receive rain accompanied by windstorms and thunderstorms from the evening of July 18 to July 25. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several areas, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Mirpur, Diamir, Astore, Skardu, and Gilgit, raising concerns about travel disruptions and landslides.
The PMD nationwide rain forecast also predicts widespread rainfall across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and Punjab between July 19 and 23. Major cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot are expected to receive heavy showers. Southern Punjab, including Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, is likely to experience rainfall from July 20 to 24.
Northern and northeastern Balochistan, including Zhob, Loralai, Sibbi, and Khuzdar, is forecast to receive rain with isolated heavy falls from July 19 to 23. In Sindh, most areas will remain hot and humid, although scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected in Tharparkar, Mithi, Sukkur, Larkana, and Dadu. Karachi may receive light rain or drizzle this weekend, with temperatures expected to fall to around 28°C.
The PMD warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including electricity poles, billboards, and solar panels. Landslides remain a significant concern in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir between July 20 and 25 due to continuous heavy rainfall.
Heavy downpours could also trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Multan. Authorities also fear flash floods in streams, nullahs, and hill torrents, particularly in Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.
The PMD advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel during the wet spell and urged farmers to plan agricultural activities according to the forecast while protecting livestock. Authorities across the country have been directed to stay alert, as the ongoing hot and humid weather is expected to ease with the arrival of widespread monsoon rains.
