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Arab News
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Arab News
Pakistan forecasts monsoon rains from June 25, warns of flash floods and landslides
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (Met) on Monday forecast that several parts of the country will receive heavy monsoon rains from June 25 onwards, urging masses to take precautions against the resulting flash floods and landslides in low lying and hilly areas. The alert comes as Pakistan braces for another season of extreme weather, following deadly heatwaves and catastrophic floods in recent years. Ranked among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Pakistan is ramping up preparedness efforts, especially in Punjab, where authorities expect significantly above-average rainfall this monsoon. In a press release, the Met Office said moist currents are penetrating the upper and central parts of the country and are likely to become 'intensified' in the next couple of days. 'A westerly wave is expected to approach upper parts on 25th June and likely to become significant on 26th June,' the Met Office said. It warned that several areas of Azad Kashmir will receive scattered heavy rainfall from June 24 to July 2. Rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan's Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar areas from June 26-29, it said. — Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) June 23, 2025 The Met Office said rain with thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, and other cities of Punjab from June 25 to July 1. The weather department said rain with thundershowers are expected in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu and Kurram from June 25 to July 1 with occasional gaps. 'Rain wind/thundershower is expected in northeastern/southern parts of Balochistan (Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Kalat, Lasbella, Khuzdar, Awaran, Kalat, Jaffarabad, Dera Bugti and Kohlu) from 25th night to 28th June,' it added. In Sindh, the Met Office said Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Thatta, Badin and Karachi are expected to receive rain with thundershowers from June 25-28 with occasional gaps. The PMD warned that heavy to very heavy rains may generate flash floods in local nullahs and streams of Murree, Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi and other areas from June 26 to July 1. 'Landslides may cause roads closure in the vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the wet spell,' PMD said. It advised farmers to manage their activities keeping in mind the weather forecast and advised travelers and tourists to remain 'extra cautious.' 'All concerned authorities are advised to remain 'ALERT' and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation,' the press release concluded.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Rain draws crowds to parks
Lahore Zoo visitors park their motorbikes at a stand. Citizens flocked to outdoor recreational spots after rainfall turned the weather pleasant on the weekly holiday. photo: nni A welcome spell of rain swept across Lahore on Sunday, providing much-needed respite from days of heat and humidity and prompting thousands of residents to head outdoors and enjoy the transformed weather. With cloudy skies and cooler temperatures, public parks across the city turned into bustling gathering spots. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall accompanied by gusty winds affected several parts of Lahore, including Abbott Road, Lakshmi Chowk, Shimla Pahari, Ferozepur Road, Kalma Chowk, Canal Road, Mall Road, Anarkali, Jail Road, Gulshan Ravi, Islam Pura, Township, Garden Town and Sabzazar. The rain, which reduced the day's temperature to 34 degrees Celsius, brought noticeable relief in humidity and improved air quality. Humidity levels were recorded at 70 per cent with wind speeds of 13km per hour. The temperature is expected to rise again to 36°C in the coming days. With the oppressive weather temporarily eased, residents made their way to outdoor spaces such as Jilani Park, Jallo Park, Lawrence Garden, Lahore Safari Park, Model Town Park and other local parks in different neighbourhoods. Families picnicked on the fresh grass, children played among the puddles, and joggers returned to long-abandoned tracks. "I couldn't stay indoors after the rain," said Sana Ali, a university student walking with friends in Jilani Park. "The breeze and the scent of the wet earth made everything feel alive again." Vendors in and around parks reported a surge in business as people lined up for corn, snacks, and ice cream in the breezy evening. In Lawrence Garden, elderly citizens and young couples strolled beneath the rain-washed trees, while Model Town Park saw groups of joggers, fitness enthusiasts, and families enjoying a long-awaited breath of fresh air. The PMD noted that moisture-laden currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are continuing to penetrate upper and central regions of Pakistan, supported by a westerly wave over northern areas. These weather patterns are likely to sustain intermittent rainfall over the coming days, particularly in upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. In the past 24 hours, pre-monsoon showers were recorded across the region, including 91mm at Islamabad's Zero Point, 88mm in Mangla, and 58 mm in Rawalpindi at Shamsabad. Lahore received 3mm of rainfall. Despite the widespread showers, southern regions continued to experience intense heat, with Bhakkar, Sibi, and Dalbandin reaching highs of 47°C. Officials advised the public to remain cautious in low-lying areas due to the risk of water accumulation and urban flooding. For many Lahoris, however, Sunday's rain was not just a weather event -— it was a moment of shared joy. "This is what we wait for all summer," said Irfan Mehmood, a retired banker watching his grandchildren play in Model Town Park. "After days of stifling heat, today feels like a blessing," he added.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Climate
- Arab News
Pakistan issues pre-monsoon rain alert from today, warns of urban flooding and damage risks
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast pre-monsoon rains across various parts of the country from today, Friday, warning of possible urban flooding and infrastructure damage in several regions. The alert comes as Pakistan braces for another season of extreme weather, following deadly heatwaves and catastrophic floods in recent years. Ranked among the ten most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Pakistan is ramping up preparedness efforts, especially in Punjab, where authorities expect significantly above-average rainfall this monsoon. 'Pre-monsoon rains are predicted in the country from June 20-23 with occasional gaps,' the PMD said in its advisory issued on Thursday. 'Moist currents from Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are penetrating upper and central parts of the country and a westerly wave is also likely to approach upper parts on June 20.' The department said dust storms, rain with wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms, were expected in parts of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and numerous districts of Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Affected areas include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Chitral, Abbottabad and Waziristan among others. Similar conditions were also forecast for Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad in Sindh province from June 22 to 24. PMD cautioned that such weather could damage loose infrastructure such as electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels, particularly in upper and central regions including Islamabad. It added that intense heat was expected to ease gradually over the forecast period, advising farmers to plan agricultural activities accordingly. PMD also warned urban flooding could occur in Lahore, Gujranwala and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region. Authorities have urged the public, travelers and tourists to exercise caution. ABOVE-NORMAL RAINFALL Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab said on Thursday the province was likely to experience 25 percent more rainfall this monsoon season, with northeastern districts expected to receive 40 percent to 60 percent above-normal rainfall. 'This projection necessitates proactive and coordinated efforts to mitigate risks associated with urban and riverine flooding,' the authority said, adding that all necessary arrangements had been completed to respond to any emergencies. The provincial government has begun distributing pamphlets to raise public awareness about the dangers of floods, heavy rains and strong winds. Pakistan experienced devastating floods in 2022 that left more than 1,700 people dead and displaced over 33 million across the country. Experts described the disaster as a consequence of climate change, after floodwaters destroyed homes, farmland, and public infrastructure, causing financial losses exceeding $35 billion.
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Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Dust-thunderstorm, rain likely in parts of Karachi today: PMD
Listen to article The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast dust-thunderstorm-rain with lightning in isolated places across Karachi today, as unstable weather patterns continue to affect southern Pakistan. According to the advisory, partly cloudy weather with dust/thunderstorm-rain is likely at isolated places in Mithi, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Sukkur, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Shikarpur and surrounding areas. Read: PMD issues early warning for rain, thunderstorms in Karachi These scattered events are expected to develop Monday evening and continue into Tuesday, driven by moist currents entering from the Arabian Sea and a westerly wave present over central Pakistan. Monday's maximum temperature in Karachi is expected to hover around 37–39°C, with humidity reaching 73%. The spokesperson of the Meteorological Department, Anjum Nazir Zaigham stated that the day began with warm and humid conditions, and the temperature has already surpassed 36 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature in Karachi today is expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius. According to the spokesperson, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder is likely in Karachi from afternoon to evening. Dusty winds may also blow during the rainfall, further destabilising the weather. Anjum Nazir Zaigham added that tomorrow rain-bearing clouds may form near the suburban areas of Karachi and rainfall is expected in Jamshoro, Thatta, and Sujawal. Maximum daytime temperatures will remain high across most towns, with interior districts like Dadu and Jacobabad forecast to exceed 44°C. The combination of heat, humidity and storm activity may lead to brief but intense gusts, rainfall and lightning in affected areas. Hot and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country on Sunday, with very hot conditions in the plains. However, isolated dust-thunderstorm rain occurred at scattered places in Central and Southern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Rainfall was recorded at Bahawalnagar (8 mm), Sahiwal (3 mm), and Toba Tek Singh (2 mm) in Punjab, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dera Ismail Khan Airport reported 4 mm, Lower Dir 2 mm, and Malam Jabba and Kalam 1 mm each. The highest maximum temperatures recorded yesterday included 48°C in Noorpur Thal and Turbat, 46°C in Jhelum and Bhakkar, and 45°C in Joharabad, Jacobabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Mangla and Sibbi. Read more: Severe heatwave scorches Pakistan, temperatures soar past 50°C The Met Office has warned that windstorms could damage infrastructure, particularly electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels. Residents in low-lying or open areas are advised to stay alert, secure property, and avoid unnecessary travel during storm activity. The weather is expected to clear by Wednesday, with a return to hot and dry conditions in most of Sindh.
ABC News
16-06-2025
- ABC News
Four people have died in e-scooter crashes in Queensland so far this year, data reveals
Data has revealed four e-scooter riders have died on Queensland roads so far this year, with users urged to take the laws more seriously. Police data shows more than 2,700 infringements for illegal road use were issued to users of personal mobility devices — or PMDs — between November 2022 and December 2024. More than 65 per cent of infringements in that period involved failing to wear a helmet, carrying passengers, or illegal road use. Already this year, police have issued 1,094 infringements for riding without a helmet. Eight people died while riding e-scooters or e-bikes in Queensland last year. Queensland laws permit the riding of PMDs on suburban roads with speed limits at or below 50 kilometres per hour, and they can't be used on highways or major arterial roads. E-scooters and e-bikes must travel at a speed of 12kph or slower on footpaths and 25kph on roads and bike paths. Children under 12 are prohibited from riding e-scooters or e-bikes, with adult supervision required for those under the age of 15. The Queensland government launched a parliamentary inquiry last month into the safe use of PMDs, citing a 112 per cent rise in injuries to riders, passengers, and pedestrians from 2021 to 2024. Queensland Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said he is committed to a "whole of government" approach to regulation. "What's clear is the current framework isn't working, that's why we've announced this parliamentary inquiry," he told ABC Radio Brisbane. "This is all about trying to collate all of the views and opinions, the evidence base, to be able to better put together a framework that works. "Tragically, we've seen far too many injuries as well over the last couple of years — 112 per cent increase since 2021 to 24. "So, it's not just the enforcement, it's also resulting in both deaths and injuries, and we must tackle it in a different way." The inquiry is accepting public submissions until Friday. In one submission to the inquiry, made by resident Geoff Thomas, he called for PMDs that can travel over a certain speed to be registered like motor vehicles. "These are basically motorcycles without any form of regulation," he said. "Registered owners would be required to follow road rules, wear appropriate safety equipment, be of a certain age to operate them and obviously pay fines and a registration fee, which could also raise revenue." E-bike user Mal Shipton submitted that restricting PMDs to privately-owned devices would regulate the "casual attitudes" of current users. "At Kangaroo Point, we suffer a lot of scooters being abandoned so as to even block a footpath," the submission read. "According to the stats on the Green Bridge, bicycles outnumber scooters by double yet do not have anything like the impact as mentioned above. "I would think this is because most bikes are privately owned." The committee is due to report by March next year.
