Pakistan forecasts widespread monsoon rains in early July, warns of urban flooding, landslides

Islamabad: Pakistan's Meteorological Department has forecast widespread monsoon rainfall across the country during the first week of July, warning of thunderstorms, urban flooding, and landslides in several regions.

According to the department, a westerly weather system is expected to enter the country on the evening or night of June 30.

Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are already affecting eastern and central parts of Pakistan, while additional moisture from the Bay of Bengal is expected to reach the country's upper regions beginning July 2.

The forecast indicates that July 1 to July 6 will bring rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds to Kashmir, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and several surrounding areas.

The department also expects rainfall on July 3 and 4 in parts of Sindh, including Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana, and nearby districts. Meanwhile, northern and northeastern districts of Balochistan are likely to receive rain between July 1 and July 4.

The Meteorological Department has warned of an increased risk of landslides between July 2 and July 6 in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, the Galiyat region, and Kashmir.

In addition, authorities have cautioned that urban flooding may occur between July 1 and July 4 in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Faisalabad due to heavy rainfall.