PMD issues nationwide heavy rain alert

The PMD has forecast an intensified monsoon spell across much of the country from July 18 to July 25.

According to the PMD, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are continuously affecting the upper and central parts of Pakistan and are expected to strengthen over the weekend. 

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, upper and central Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and northeastern Balochistan between July 18 and July 25. 

However, in Sindh, most areas will remain hot and humid, although isolated rain are expected in Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Dadu and Jacobabad during the same period.

The PMD advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel to mountainous regions, urged farmers to plan agricultural activities according to the forecast, and called on provincial authorities and emergency services to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to minimise the impact of the expected severe weather.