Which Areas Face Pakistan’s Latest Flood Threat?
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan is heading into another period of unsettled weather, with a fresh monsoon system expected to bring rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across much of the north, raising concerns not only about flooding but also about travel disruptions and hazards in mountainous areas.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast the new spell from September 3 to 6, as monsoon currents move into the upper parts of the country and interact with westerly weather systems.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Pothohar region are expected to see thunderstorms and rainfall on September 4 and 5. Heavy showers in some areas could put additional pressure on urban drainage systems and increase the risk of water accumulating in low-lying neighbourhoods.
Punjab is likely to experience widespread weather activity. Murree, Galiyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Hafizabad and Kasur are among the areas expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms between September 3 and 5.
Rain and thunderstorms are also forecast for Okara, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Noorpur Thal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal and Dera Ghazi Khan on September 4 and 5.
For residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the unsettled conditions could last longer. Rain, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from September 3 to 6, with heavy rain possible at isolated locations.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to face substantial rainfall. The PMD has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds in Peshawar, Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan from the evening or night of September 3 until September 5.
Gilgit-Baltistan will also remain under the influence of the weather system, with intermittent rainfall expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from September 3 to 6.
The latest forecast presents a different set of concerns for the country’s mountainous regions. Heavy rainfall could rapidly increase water levels in streams and rivers, creating the possibility of flash floods in parts of Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra and Abbottabad, as well as parts of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Murree and Galiyat could also face flash-flood risks, while saturated slopes may increase the possibility of landslides and temporary road closures.
Urban centres face their own challenges. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Lahore have been identified as areas where heavy rain could trigger urban flooding on September 4 and 5.
For commuters, this could mean waterlogged roads, slower traffic and disruptions to routine travel. In mountain districts, the risks could be more serious, particularly for people travelling along roads vulnerable to landslides and sudden flooding.
Outside the northern belt, much of Sindh and Balochistan is expected to remain hot and humid. However, Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhel and surrounding areas of Balochistan could also receive rain, strong winds and thunderstorms.
The PMD has urged tourists and travellers to remain cautious during the spell, particularly when moving through mountainous areas. Farmers have also been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the changing weather.
Government departments and emergency response agencies have been directed to maintain readiness and take precautionary measures.
The latest forecast is a reminder that the impact of heavy rain extends beyond rainfall itself. In a country where urban drainage, mountain roads and vulnerable settlements can quickly come under pressure, a few hours of intense precipitation can translate into flooding, blocked routes, damaged infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods.
As the new weather system moves across the country, preparedness could prove just as important as the rainfall itself.
