Islamabad, July 16, 2025 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh forecast predicting widespread rains across the country over the next two days.
According to the PMD, a combination of strong monsoon currents and a well-marked low-pressure area over northeastern Punjab, coupled with a westerly wave in the upper regions, will trigger widespread rain and thundershowers from July 16 to July 17.
Mehr Fatima, a forecasting officer at PMD, stated that widespread rains with intermittent wind-thundershowers are expected on both days in Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir. Scattered rains will also occur in Gilgit-Baltistan, northeast and south Balochistan, and parts of upper and southeast Sindh. Heavy to very heavy falls are likely in Punjab, Islamabad, upper KP, and Kashmir, increasing the risk of flash floods and urban flooding.
Warnings Issued
PMD has cautioned that heavy widespread rains on July 16 and 17 may lead to flash floods in local nullahs and streams across areas including D.G. Khan, Rawalpindi, Chitral, Swat, Murree, Mansehra, Kohistan, and Mardan. Vulnerable hilly regions like Galliyat, Kashmir, and parts of Gilgit-Baltistan may face landslides and mudslides, potentially disrupting transport and communication.
Urban flooding is also a significant concern, especially in low-lying areas of Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, Peshawar, and Islamabad. Citizens have been advised to remain indoors during intense downpours and avoid unnecessary travel. The strong windstorms associated with the weather system could damage trees, electric poles, solar panels, and crops.
Synoptic Outlook
A low-pressure system currently resides over eastern Punjab, while a westerly trough affects upper Pakistan. This synoptic setup is driving the inflow of moist monsoon currents into central and northern regions, resulting in continuous widespread rains expected to persist for at least the next 36 hours.
Recent Rainfall Activity
Over the past 24 hours, multiple cities experienced intense rain. Sheikhupura received 217 mm, followed by Okara (170 mm), Lahore Airport (123 mm), and Hafizabad (90 mm). KP, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan also saw significant rainfall, supporting the PMD’s warning of widespread rains continuing through the forecast period.
The PMD urges the public and authorities to stay alert and prepared for further rainfall activity.