Lead

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast an extended spell of rain, wind and thundershowers over the upper and central parts of the country from August 16 to 21, with occasional breaks. According to officials, monsoon currents are currently penetrating the northern regions and are likely to persist over the coming days, while a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan from August 17. The combination of these two weather systems is expected to bring widespread precipitation to much of the country.

Coverage Comparison

Two Pakistani news outlets, app.com.pk and thenews.com.pk, both reported the PMD forecast. Both accounts described the weather event as a spell of rain and thundershowers across the same geographic area, with app.com.pk emphasizing the 'extended' duration and thenews.com.pk focusing on the 'strong winds' and 'intermittent breaks.' The factual details, including the specific regions and timeframes, were consistent between the two reports, though the lead framing differed slightly: app.com.pk highlighted the extended duration and geographical scope, while thenews.com.pk emphasized the occurrence of rain itself.

Key Claims

The PMD forecast detailed rainfall for several regions and timeframes:

  • In Kashmir, scattered rain with isolated heavy falls is expected across Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from the evening of August 16 through August 21, with intermittent gaps.
  • Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is expected to see significant rainfall, with rain-wind and thundershower activity, including isolated heavy falls, forecast for districts such as Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, and Mardan from August 17 through August 21. The southern districts of the province, including Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and Waziristan, are expected to receive rain somewhat later, on August 20 and 21.
  • Islamabad and the upper parts of Punjab will also receive rain, wind, and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, and Noorpur Thal, from the evening of August 16 until August 21. Southern Punjab districts, including Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and D.G. Khan, are expected to receive rainfall on August 20 and 21.
  • In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain, wind, and thundershower activity is forecast for Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from August 18 to 21, with occasional gaps.
  • In Sindh and Balochistan, the weather is expected to remain mainly hot and humid across most areas, though the districts of Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat, and Khuzdar in Balochistan are likely to experience rain, wind, and thundershower activity from the evening of August 17 through August 20.
The Met Office cautioned that heavy rainfall during the forecast period could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Lahore between August 17 and 20. There is also a risk of landslides in the hilly and mountainous terrain of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir throughout the forecast period.

In response to the forecast, authorities advised tourists and travelers heading to the affected regions to remain cautious given the unsettled weather. Farmers were urged to plan their crop-related activities in light of the forecast and to take appropriate care of their livestock during this time. The Met Office also urged all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation while the weather system remains active.

The public can visit weather.gov.pk or download the Pak Weather mobile application for daily updates.