Islamabad, July 13, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high-alert warning, forecasting that intense monsoon rains are likely to cause urban flooding in Islamabad and surrounding areas within the next 24 hours.
According to the PMD’s advisory covering July 13 and 14, heavy downpours are expected to significantly affect low-lying regions of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar.
The alert highlights that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are actively penetrating the upper and central regions of Pakistan. Additionally, a strong westerly wave is likely to converge with the monsoon system, intensifying the rainfall, especially in Islamabad and other northern cities.
PMD warns that the expected heavy to very heavy rainfall could result in flash floods in local nullahs and streams across Murree, Galliyat, Manshera, Abbottabad, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, and areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Landslides and mudslides may occur in vulnerable hilly regions including Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, potentially causing road closures and transportation disruptions.
The department has also cautioned that windstorms accompanying the monsoon rains may damage infrastructure such as electric poles, trees, solar panels, and vehicles. Residents of Islamabad and other urban centers are urged to stay vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and ensure safety during this period of intense weather activity.
Forecasts for Sunday suggest hot and humid weather across most parts of the country, although isolated rain and thundershowers are likely in north-eastern Balochistan, south Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, more widespread monsoon activity is expected on Monday, with rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms anticipated in Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Over the past 24 hours, rainfall has already been recorded in parts of south and central Punjab, north-east Balochistan, Sindh, and Kashmir. The highest rainfall in Balochistan was seen in Khuzdar (19mm), while Bahawalnagar in Punjab recorded 16mm.
With monsoon season in full swing, the PMD continues to monitor the evolving weather situation closely and advises the public, especially in Islamabad, to take precautionary measures against the risks posed by heavy rains and potential urban flooding.