The Punjab government has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert as weather authorities forecast widespread rainfall, possible urban flooding and rising river flows in parts of the province over the coming days. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) stated that moist currents from the Arabian Sea, combined with an approaching westerly wave, were expected to trigger rain, wind and thunderstorms across large parts of the country till July 13.
Districts at Risk and Expected Impact
Scattered rainfall accompanied by isolated heavy falls were forecast for Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad and several other districts on Sunday. Southern districts, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Layyah and Rajanpur, are also expected to receive rain.
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall could cause localised urban flooding in Lahore, Gujranwala and Faisalabad, while increased water flows were expected in hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan. It also cautioned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including electricity poles, billboards and solar panels.
Advisories for Tourists and Farmers
The weather department advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas, while farmers were urged to plan agricultural activities according to weather conditions and take measures to protect livestock. It added that prevailing hot and humid conditions were likely to ease during the forecast period.
Alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
The PMD also issued an alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, warning that above-normal temperatures and incoming rainfall could accelerate snow and glacier melt, increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides, mudflows and glacial lake outburst floods in vulnerable valleys. Residents and visitors were advised to stay away from riverbanks, streams and glacial lakes and to closely monitor official weather advisories.
Chief Minister's Directive on Monsoon Preparedness
Chairing a meeting on monsoon preparedness, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif warned that climate change was a reality requiring all institutions to remain fully prepared for extreme weather events. She said temperatures could rise as high as 52 degrees Celsius in some cities during July, August and September, while above-normal rainfall was also expected in parts of the province.
The chief minister directed all departments to remain vigilant and ensure that the early warning system remained fully operational to provide timely forecasts and alerts. She instructed Rescue 1122 and other emergency agencies to continue mock exercises to improve preparedness for flood. She said the government had drawn lessons from last year's floods and taken precautionary measures, including arrangements for livestock feed in vulnerable areas.
The CM also directed authorities to issue timely public advisories on heatwaves and urged citizens to avoid exposing elderly people, women and children to extreme heat.
