PMD predicts heavy rainfall across Pakistan over next 24 hours

Says strong winds and rain have already begun in various parts of country

ISLAMABAD:

Rain is to be expected in the federal capital Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and other parts of the country over the next 24 hours.

According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), strong winds and rain have already begun in various parts of the country. Over the next 24 hours, most areas of the country are expected to experience strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rain.

In northeastern Balochistan, Punjab, Islamabad, K-P, AJK, and G-B, there may be gusty winds, thunderstorms, and rain in some places. However, the weather will remain hot and dry in other parts of the country.

Read Pakistan braces for early July monsoon with 'above-normal' rains predicted

Rawalpindi and its surrounding areas have recently experienced their first pre-monsoon rain, signalling the potential danger of monsoon floods in Nullah Leh and other rain drains.

This heavy rain, which fell on June 17 night, has already stressed the administration and indicated the start of the flood season, which runs from June 15 to August 15.

The heavy rainfall caused significant inflows into Rawal, Simli, and Khanpur dams, which supply water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This influx of water has alleviated the anticipated summer water crisis that was expected this month.

However, the cleaning and desilting of the 18 km Nullah Leh and ten major rain drains had not been completed before the monsoon season, as work was temporarily halted due to the Eid ul Adha holidays.