Met Office warns of urban flooding risk in upcoming monsoon season
Web Desk
|
9 Jun 2026
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of a risk of urban flooding in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the upcoming monsoon season due to expected heavy rainfall spells.
According to the Met Office’s seasonal outlook for Monsoon 2026, released on Tuesday, most parts of the country are likely to receive below-normal rainfall between July and September. However, officials cautioned that the possibility of flooding and urban flooding will still remain due to intense rainfall events.
PMD Director General Dr Muhammad Afzal said that reduced rainfall could negatively impact agriculture and crop productivity, while also increasing the likelihood of seasonal diseases. He clarified that “below-normal rainfall does not mean there will be no flood risk,” adding that urban flooding threats persist in several regions.
The forecast indicates that while most parts of the country will receive less-than-average rainfall, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan may experience above-normal precipitation.
The report also predicts above-normal temperatures across the country during July to September, with severe heat expected in northern Punjab and western Gilgit-Baltistan, raising concerns of heat stress.
It warned that reduced rainfall in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan could worsen water shortages. At the same time, higher-than-normal temperatures in northern regions may accelerate glacier melting and increase the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.
