More rain forecast in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted additional rain and thunderstorms for the northern regions of Pakistan, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad, on September 4th and 5th. Monsoon currents are advancing into the upper parts of the country, while a westerly wave is expected to intensify on the aforementioned dates.

Rainfall is anticipated throughout the listed areas, with isolated periods of heavy to extremely heavy precipitation possible. The Met Office anticipates moderate moist air currents penetrating the upper regions and potentially strengthening early Friday. Concurrently, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Upper Punjab, the Potohar region, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir are also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms during the period.

Isolated areas could witness exceptionally heavy rainfall. The Meteorological Office has cautioned that substantial rainfall could lead to urban flooding in low-lying zones of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, and Sialkot. Flash flooding in local streams is a potential risk in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and the Potohar region.

Landslides could also occur in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat, and Kashmir under these conditions. Recognizing the department's rain forecast, Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Salman Ghani has ordered all relevant departments to remain vigilant and take requisite precautionary and administrative actions.

Complying with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's special instructions, all institutions must finalize preparations to cope with the likelihood of heavy rainfall and urban flooding. The Rawalpindi Division Commissioner instructed various departments to ensure proper drainage systems in low-lying regions, maintain operational readiness of dewatering equipment, and respond promptly to water accumulation during rainfall.