Heavy rains, flash flood, and GLOF threat looms as monsoon intensifies in Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted an intense spell of monsoon activity across the country this week, with warnings of heavy rain, thunderstorms, flash floods, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in vulnerable areas.

According to the latest advisory, monsoon currents are penetrating upper and central Pakistan and will strengthen from Monday (today). A westerly wave is also forecast to enter the region on Tuesday, adding to the severity of the weather.

Under these combined weather systems, rain, wind, and thundershowers with isolated heavy downpours are expected in AJK, G-B, K-P, Punjab, and the Islamabad Capital Territory till Thursday.

Specific areas expected to receive rainfall include:

  • AJK: From Neelum Valley to Mirpur.

  • G-B (Aug 5–7): Regions like Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, and Ghizer.

  • K-P (Aug 4–7): Including Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, and the southern belt including Waziristan and D.I. Khan.

  • Punjab (Aug 4–7): From Rawalpindi and Murree to Lahore, Gujrat, Sahiwal, Multan, and Bahawalpur.

In Balochistan, most regions will remain hot and humid, but showers are forecast in Zhob, Loralai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Musakhel, and adjoining districts by Wednesday.

The PMD has also raised multiple red flags:

  • Flash floods in local streams and nullahs across northern K-P, Galliyat, and parts of Punjab.

  • Urban flooding in cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Sialkot.

  • Elevated risk of landslides and glacial lake outburst floods in mountainous regions of G-B and AJK.

Residents, tourists, and local authorities are urged to take precautionary measures, especially in flood-prone or glaciated regions. The active monsoon spell is expected to persist through August 7, with possible extension depending on weather developments.