Islamabad, August 31, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall from September 1 to 3 over eastern river catchments, heightening the threat of urban flooding and riverine overflow across several districts of Punjab.
The Chenab River basin is expected to witness widespread rainfall stretching from Jammu into Pakistan, potentially impacting Gujranwala Division, including Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, and Gujranwala. Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Chiniot are also on high alert. The Met Office forecast suggests rainfall accumulation could exceed 350mm in Gujranwala and surrounding districts.
In the Ravi catchment, central Punjab is likely to face intense downpours, with Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib particularly vulnerable. Rainfall in Lahore Division may surpass 350mm during the three-day spell, raising the risk of severe urban flooding and potential breaches in riverbanks. Okara and Pakpattan are similarly projected to experience significant rainfall.
The Sutlej catchment, covering southern Punjab, is also forecast to receive moderate to heavy showers. Districts such as Okara, Pakpattan, and Bahawalnagar in Okara Division, along with Vehari, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan in Bahawalpur Division, could face increased water inflows due to upstream rainfall in India’s eastern Punjab.
Authorities have directed district administrations to remain vigilant and ensure timely evacuations from low-lying areas to minimize potential damage and safeguard lives.