A new and powerful monsoon system is poised to sweep across Pakistan starting July 13, bringing several days of heavy rainfall to many regions until July 17.

In response to the anticipated severe weather, the Meteorological Department has issued a high alert nationwide.

According to the forecast, intense downpours are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, and northern areas, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Upper Sindh districts, including Sukkur, Larkana, and Jacobabad, as well as Karachi, are likely to see rainfall between July 15 and 17. Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience rain from July 13 to 16.

Authorities have been instructed to implement precautionary measures ahead of time. Local administrations and rescue teams have been directed to remain on high alert. Meanwhile, the public has been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay in safe locations during the period of heavy rain.

The Met Office has predicted the start of a fresh spell of monsoon rains across various regions of Pakistan, warning of heavy downpours that could trigger flash floods and landslides in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, and northern areas.

According to the Met Office, rain is also expected in Islamabad and its adjoining areas, while intermittent heavy showers are likely in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Malakand, Buner, Shangla, Bajaur, Kohistan, Mansehra, Kurram, Khyber, Orakzai, Bannu, and D.I. Khan.

In Peshawar, temperatures are forecast to range between 24 degree Celsius and 32 degree Celsius. Malam Jabba and Kalam recorded lows of 16 degree Celsius and 17 degree Celsius, respectively.

Most districts of Punjab will experience partly cloudy skies, while Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain hot and humid. Maximum temperatures reached 40 degree Celsius in Quetta and Turbat, 39 degree Celsius in Sibi, 37 degree Celsius in Zhob, and 33 degree Celsius in Kalat.

The Met Office stated that this monsoon system could persist from July 11 through July 17, affecting large parts of the country.

PDMA issues warnings

In response to the forecast, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has alerted district administrations, Rescue 1122, and other relevant agencies to prepare for possible flooding and landslides.

Tourists have been urged to exercise caution when traveling in mountainous areas and to avoid riverbanks.

Rainfall totals recorded yesterday include 38 mm in Risalpur, 30 mm in Kakol, 20 mm in Cherat, and 15 mm in Balakot, along with showers in Abbottabad, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Buner, Mardan, Bajaur, Kurram, and Kohat.

Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stay in contact with local officials, and promptly report any emergencies to rescue services.