ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a warning about the possibility of urban flooding in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the upcoming monsoon season, despite expectations of below-average overall rainfall.
The seasonal forecast for Monsoon 2026 indicates that most regions are likely to receive less rainfall than usual from July to September. Nevertheless, officials caution that heavy rainfall episodes could still cause flooding and urban inundation in key cities.
Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, explained that reduced rainfall could adversely affect agriculture and crop production, and could also lead to an increase in seasonal illnesses. He emphasized that “less rainfall does not mean the risk of flooding is eliminated,” highlighting that cities could still face significant flood risks during intense downpours.
The forecast also suggests that areas such as Kashmir, northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan may experience above-normal rainfall levels during the monsoon period.
Temperatures across the country are expected to stay above average from July through September, especially in northern Punjab and western Gilgit-Baltistan, where extreme heat conditions might cause heat stress among residents.
Regions including Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are at risk of experiencing water shortages due to the decreased rainfall. Meanwhile, higher-than-normal temperatures in northern areas may accelerate glacier melting, increasing the likelihood of glacial lake outburst floods.
Officials warned that despite the overall trend of below-normal rainfall, intense monsoon storms could still result in urban flooding in major cities across Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
