Thunderstorms and Rain Predicted in Islamabad and Other Regions

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast **thunderstorms and rain** in Islamabad and several other parts of the country over the next few days.

According to the PMD, **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, upper Punjab, and coastal areas of Sindh** are expected to experience **partly cloudy weather** with **strong winds and rain accompanied by thunder and lightning**. Other regions of the country are likely to remain **hot and dry**.

In **Islamabad**, rain with gusty winds and thunder is anticipated, while **Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Narowal, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Khushab, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang,** and adjoining areas are also likely to receive rainfall.

Similarly, **Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Peshawar, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Buner, Malakand, Kohat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Nowshera, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Waziristan,** and **Kurram** are expected to experience thunderstorms with rain.

In **Balochistan**, rain is predicted in **Lasbela, Awaran,** and **Makran coastal areas**, while **Karachi, Badin, Sujawal,** and **Thatta** may also receive light showers. **Azad Kashmir** and **Gilgit-Baltistan** are likely to see rain with strong winds and thunder as well.

During the last 24 hours, most parts of the country remained **hot and dry**, though **Islamabad, upper Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,** and **southern Sindh** experienced isolated rainfall.

The PMD has forecast rain spells **till October 7**, while the **Flood Forecasting Division** has issued a warning about a **possible rise in river water levels** due to rainfall. Increased water flow is expected in the **Indus** and **Jhelum** rivers.

Between **October 5 and 7**, the **Jhelum River** may witness a rise in water levels, while **moderate to high flood conditions** could develop in the **Chenab River**. The **Indus River at Tarbela** may experience a **low-level flood**, the division added.

Flood authorities also warned that flooding in the **Ravi** and **Sutlej Rivers** will depend on **water release from India**, while **landslides** are possible in **Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,** and **Kashmir** due to heavy rainfall.