Rain likely on August 1 as the weather system strengthens; PMD warns of urban flooding, flash floods, landslides and strong winds across Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon rain for Karachi this weekend, with the city expected to receive showers on Saturday, August 1, 2026, while mostly cloudy conditions are likely to prevail over the next two days.
According to the PMD, the latest weather system is being driven by strong monsoon currents penetrating eastern and central Pakistan under the influence of a deep depression currently located over eastern Madhya Pradesh, India. The system is expected to move westwards and weaken into a depression over the next 24 to 36 hours, while continuing to influence weather conditions across Pakistan.
Karachi likely to receive rain on Saturday
The PMD said Karachi will experience mostly cloudy skies on Thursday and Friday, with rain and thundershowers expected on Saturday, August 1.
Rain is also likely in parts of southeast Sindh on Friday as monsoon activity intensifies across the region.
The department advised residents to monitor the latest weather updates, warning that some areas of the city could experience locally heavy rainfall.
Widespread rain forecast across northern and central Pakistan
The weather department has forecast rain, wind and thundershowers, accompanied by isolated heavy falls, across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, upper and central Punjab, northeast Balochistan and Kashmir on Thursday.
Similar weather conditions are expected on Friday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, southeast Sindh, northeast Balochistan and Kashmir as the monsoon system remains active.
PMD warns of urban flooding and flash floods
The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall on the evening and night of July 30 and during July 31 could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, the Pothohar region, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.
The department also cautioned that flash floods may develop in local streams and hill torrents across Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, northeastern Punjab, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.
Landslides are also likely in vulnerable mountainous areas, including Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Buner, Battagram, Mansehra, Shangla, Abbottabad, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir, potentially disrupting transport and communication links.
Strong winds may damage vulnerable infrastructure
The PMD warned that heavy rain, strong winds and lightning could damage weak structures, including electricity poles, billboards and solar panels, during the ongoing monsoon spell.
The department has advised all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimise the risk of loss of life and damage to property.
Recent rainfall and temperatures
During the past 24 hours, rain and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, were recorded in parts of Kashmir, northeast Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Among the highest rainfall totals were Noor Pur Thal (52mm), Sialkot Airport (26mm), Gujranwala (21mm), Toba Tek Singh (15mm) and Lahore Airport (8mm).
Meanwhile, hot and humid weather persisted across much of southern Pakistan. The highest maximum temperatures recorded on Wednesday were 45°C in Sibbi, Turbat and Dalbandin, followed by 44°C in Nokkundi.