Monsoon 2025: Met Office warns of above-average rainfall & flood risk across Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a high-alert advisory ahead of the 2025 monsoon season, warning of intensified rainfall and an increased risk of floods and landslides in several parts of the country.

During a press conference on Thursday, Director General of the Met Department, Mehr Sahibzad Khan, cautioned that “Monsoon in Pakistan typically arrives in July-August and continues until mid-October. Based on both local and international indicators, we are forecasting this year’s pattern a month in advance to enable timely preparedness.” He emphasized close coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) to ensure readiness for extreme weather events.

According to Khan, central and southern regions are likely to see 20% more rain than average, while northeastern Punjab and Kashmir may also experience heavy downpours, raising the possibility of urban and riverine flooding. In contrast, northern KP and Gilgit-Baltistan are forecasted to receive slightly below-normal rainfall, but rising temperatures in these areas could lead to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

“There is a risk of floods and landslides due to increased rainfall and temperature changes,” Khan warned, urging early preparedness, especially in flood-prone areas of Sindh and upper KP.

Khan also shared current water levels at major reservoirs, noting that “These rainfall patterns will benefit water storage in Tarbela and Mangla Dams, and support agricultural productivity across rain-fed zones.”

He highlighted the growing unpredictability of weather due to climate change, stating: “What used to be a few days of rain is now falling in a few hours. We must always be prepared to deal with sudden shifts.”

The DG added that dust storms and strong winds may impact infrastructure and crops, though they may briefly lower temperatures.

“With floods likely in Sindh, Punjab, and Azad Kashmir, and GLOFs expected in northern Pakistan, it is crucial for authorities and the public to remain on high alert over the coming weeks,” he stressed, calling for enhanced early warning systems and rapid emergency response plans nationwide.