Pakistan Meteorological Department Forecasts Widespread Monsoon Rains and Thunderstorms Until July 25

Pakistan is bracing for a significant spell of monsoon activity, with the Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting widespread rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms across various regions until July 25. The forecast indicates that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating the country's upper and central parts and are expected to strengthen over the weekend.

Adding to the weather system, a westerly disturbance is anticipated to approach the upper parts of the country by Monday, July 20. This combination is expected to bring rain, windstorms, and thundershowers, with scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in several areas. Key regions including Neelum Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northeastern Balochistan are specifically mentioned in the advisory.

Provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to experience this weather from July 19 to July 23. Punjab's major cities, including Lahore and Faisalabad, are also forecast to receive similar conditions from the night of July 19 to July 23. Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan can expect rain and windstorms from July 18 to July 25.

The PMD has issued warnings about the potential impacts of this severe weather. Strong winds and lightning pose a risk to weak structures, such as electric poles and billboards. Additionally, the department cautioned that heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs, particularly in the upper regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While most of Sindh is expected to remain hot and humid, isolated rain and thunderstorms are forecast for some districts.