PMD alerts of potential heavy rainfall in Islamabad and Punjab amid thunderstorm forecast

Met Office forecast suggests occasional gaps in rain, overall, weather is expected to remain unsettled.

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ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast predicting widespread rain wind/thundershowers across Islamabad and several regions of the country from 16 to 20 August.

The forecast indicates that residents of Islamabad and surrounding areas should prepare for rainy conditions, with scattered heavy falls likely during this period.

In addition to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, other areas expected to experience rain and thunderstorms include Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Tala Gang, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Khushab, and Sargodha.

These regions are forecasted to receive rain with occasional heavyfalls, which could lead to localized flooding and disruptions.

The PMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in Sindh, southern Punjab, and eastern Balochistan, which could intensify the risk of flooding in these areas. Specifically, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Khanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan, and Layyah are likely to experience rain-wind/thundershowers with isolated heavyfalls on 16 and 17 August.

The PMD's forecast suggests occasional gaps in the rain, but overall, the weather is expected to remain unsettled during this period.

In Peshawar, heavy rain led to the submergence of low-lying areas, and flooding was reported in streams in Lower Dir, where the water levels in local rivers have risen significantly.

The rainfall also caused power outages in many areas, adding to the difficulties faced by residents.

Local sources reported continuous heavy rain in areas like Laki Marwat and Naurang, further complicating the situation.