PMD Issues Nationwide Monsoon Alert With Flood Risk Warnings

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a fresh nationwide monsoon spell from the first week of July, warning that several regions may face heavy rain, thunderstorms, landslides and urban flooding. The advisory, issued on Monday, places large parts of the country on alert as seasonal rain systems begin strengthening after a period of intense heat and humidity.

According to the department, a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of Pakistan from June 30, while moisture from the Arabian Sea is already moving into central and eastern areas. Moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are also expected to reach upper Pakistan from July 2, creating conditions for widespread rainfall.

The forecast covers Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, parts of Balochistan and several districts of Sindh. The heaviest effects are expected in mountainous and flood-prone regions, where rain and windstorms may combine with unstable terrain and swollen streams.

The PMD advised authorities and citizens to prepare for possible disruption, saying the weather system could damage weak structures, solar panels, electric poles and billboards. The advisory also warned that vulnerable areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir may face landslides during the forecast period.

For Punjab and the federal capital, rain is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Narowal and several adjoining districts from July 1 to July 6. Southern and central Punjab districts, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Khanewal and Rajanpur, are likely to receive rain between July 3 and July 5.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forecast includes rain and thunderstorms in Peshawar, Mardan, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Waziristan, Bajaur, Khyber and other districts from July 1 to July 5. Gilgit-Baltistan is also expected to receive rain in areas including Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, Astore, Shigar and Ghanche.

Balochistan’s northern and northeastern districts, including Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan and Dera Bugti, are likely to see rain from July 1 to July 4. In Sindh, showers are expected in Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Khairpur, Kashmore, Shikarpur and other upper Sindh districts on July 3 and July 4.

The warning is important for Pakistan because monsoon rains are both a lifeline and a recurring hazard. They help replenish water resources and reduce extreme summer heat, but intense downpours can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, trigger flash floods, damage crops and disrupt transport in cities and rural areas.

The department has advised tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas and urged farmers to plan agricultural activity according to the changing weather. Local administrations are expected to monitor nullahs, hill torrents and urban drainage systems as the country enters a critical monsoon period in the coming days.