The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a detailed forecast for the ongoing monsoon season, with moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal penetrating the upper parts of the country.
A westerly wave is also impacting the northern regions, increasing the likelihood of rain, thunderstorms, and heavy falls over the next two days.
Monday was expected to bring hot and humid weather to most of Pakistan, but isolated rain-wind/thundershowers are predicted for areas in Kashmir, upper Punjab, Potohar region, Islamabad, and upper/central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The possibility of isolated heavy falls in these regions has also been highlighted.
For Tuesday, a similar weather pattern is expected across the country, with rain and thundershowers likely in Kashmir, Islamabad, northeastern Punjab, Potohar region, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with isolated heavy falls.
Most of the country will continue to experience hot and humid weather.
The past 24 hours saw scattered rain-wind/thundershowers with isolated heavy falls in parts of Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh.
The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Sheikhupura (35mm), Attock (34mm), and Kakul (26mm), while areas like Sibbi, Jacobabad, and Chilas recorded the highest temperatures, reaching 44°C.
Islamabad is likely to experience humid, partly cloudy weather, with rain-wind/thundershowers expected during the Monday night and on Tuesday.
There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in certain areas of the capital during this period, making it essential for residents to stay alert and prepared.
In Balochistan, the weather will be predominantly hot and humid, but isolated rain and thunderstorms are likely in regions such as Musakhel, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Lasbela and surrounding areas.
The province is expected to face oppressive heat, with occasional showers providing some relief.
The forecast for Punjab predicts hot and humid weather in most districts, but rain-wind/thundershowers are expected to affect Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, and other parts of the province.
The afternoon hours will see scattered showers, with the potential for heavy falls in some areas. This could bring some relief to the ongoing heatwave.
In Sindh, hot and humid conditions will persist throughout the province, with little to no chance of rain. The sweltering heat will continue to impact most districts, causing discomfort for residents.
Finally, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is forecast to experience hot and humid weather as well. However, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, and other districts, with some regions likely to experience heavy rainfall during the afternoon hours.
The PMD advises the public to stay informed about weather changes and exercise caution, especially near water bodies, during the ongoing monsoon season.
Swat River search operation ongoing
In a significant revelation regarding the recent tragedy in Swat, sources from the provincial inspection team disclosed that although a helicopter was available, delays in rescue efforts were caused by the absence of a trained crew, Express News reported
According to the report, the provincial government of K-P has decided to initiate an air ambulance service for divisional headquarters following the accident involving tourists in Swat.
The air ambulance plan will initially cover Swat, Dera Ismail Khan, and Abbottabad in its first phase. The government plans to recruit trained staff for rescue operations in difficult mountainous areas and flood conditions.
The inspection team further noted that while the helicopter was present at the scene, its delayed use was a result of insufficiently trained personnel.
Furthermore, strong winds during the operation posed a risk to the helicopter’s flight, further contributing to the delay.
Meanwhile, the search operation for a missing boy, who was swept away by the floodwaters of the Swat River, continues on the fourth day.
Under the supervision of District Emergency Officer, Rafiullah Marwat, the Water Rescue and Search Operation is actively ongoing.
Rescue 1122 teams are working at various locations along the river to locate the child.
In addition to the search efforts, the authorities are also continuing their operation to remove encroachments along the Swat River.
The operation, which began in the morning, has led to the demolition of numerous illegal structures. ADC, Hamid Khan, stated that the operation will continue until all encroachments are removed, and once completed on the bypass road, it will shift to the Ghat side of the river.
The search for Abdullah, a missing boy from Sialkot, continues in the aftermath of the disaster. Rescue teams, along with local divers, are conducting searches at five separate sites. So far, the bodies of 12 victims have been recovered from the river.
A spokesperson for the K-P government, Barrister Saif, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, calling it a natural disaster.
He extended condolences to the families affected, particularly the guests from Punjab who were caught in the calamity.
He noted that floods and cloudbursts are natural occurrences, and while the government could only attempt to save lives, it cannot prevent such disasters.
He also confirmed that the responsible parties had been penalised immediately, though some individuals involved in illegal encroachments had been able to delay actions through court injunctions.
