The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall expected in various parts of the country over the next 24 hours.
The forecast includes Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and other regions. The coming day is likely to bring strong winds, thunderstorms, and heavy rain to most areas.
Affected Regions
- Northeastern Balochistan
- Punjab
- Islamabad
- K-P
- AJK
- Gilgit-Baltistan
These areas may experience gusty winds, thunderstorms, and localized heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, other regions will remain predominantly hot and dry.
Concerns and Preparations
Recent pre-monsoon rain in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas has heightened concerns about potential monsoon floods in Nullah Leh and other drainage systems. The rain on the night of June 17 has prompted authorities to prepare for the flood season, which spans from June 15 to August 15.
The recent heavy rainfall has significantly raised water levels at Rawal, Simli, and Khanpur dams, which are crucial water sources for Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This increase has alleviated fears of water shortages anticipated this summer.
However, preparations for the monsoon season have faced setbacks, particularly in cleaning and desilting Nullah Leh, an 18-kilometer waterway, and other major rain drains. Work on these essential tasks was paused during the Eid ul Adha holidays, delaying readiness for managing heavy rains and potential flooding.