ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a widespread monsoon spell across the country from June 25, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds expected to affect multiple regions through July 2.
Authorities have warned of possible flash floods, urban inundation, and landslides during this period.
According to the PMD, moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal have already started penetrating the upper and central parts of Pakistan and are likely to intensify over the coming days.
A strong westerly wave is also expected to enter northern areas on June 25, bringing with it a significant increase in rainfall activity.
Northern and hilly regions including Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Swat, Shangla, and Dir are forecast to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly from June 26 onwards.
The PMD has warned that these downpours may trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs, and could result in road blockages due to landslides.
In a statement, the PMD said, “Widespread rain, wind and thunderstorm activity with occasional heavy falls are expected across most provinces. The public and relevant authorities are advised to take necessary precautions during the forecast period.”
The weather department highlighted that urban flooding is likely in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar. Similar conditions could affect Hyderabad and Karachi between 26 and 28 June.
In Punjab and Islamabad, rainfall is expected to intensify from 25 June, with intermittent spells until 1 July.
Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Jhelum, and other districts are expected to be affected. South Punjab cities including Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan are also forecast to receive rainfall between 26 and 28 June.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province will witness widespread monsoon activity, particularly in Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Bajaur, Malakand, Mansehra, and Peshawar, with potential disruption to daily life.
Meanwhile, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, including Muzaffarabad, Skardu, Hunza, and Astore, are expected to receive continuous rainfall between 24 June and 2 July.
In Balochistan, areas such as Zhob, Quetta, Barkhan, and Kalat may receive rainfall from the night of 25 June through 28 June.
Southeastern and upper Sindh districts including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Mirpur Khas are also expected to be impacted by rain and thunderstorms.
The PMD has issued a warning for possible landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir, urging tourists and travellers to exercise extreme caution. The continuous wet spell could result in travel disruptions and damage to infrastructure.
“All concerned departments have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure readiness to respond to any rain-related emergencies,” said a statement from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which is coordinating preparedness efforts with provincial and local authorities.
