Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has officially announced the 9th spell of monsoon rains in Pakistan, forecasting widespread showers across northern and central regions of the country from August 29 to September 2, 2025. The advisory warns that the expected heavy downpours may trigger flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Forecast for Northern Areas and Kashmir
According to PMD, Kashmir is set to receive continuous rainfall with thunderstorms during the spell. Showers are expected to intensify between August 29 and September 2, raising the risk of landslides in mountainous districts. Gilgit-Baltistan is also likely to experience scattered showers from August 30 to September 2, which may disrupt travel routes in hilly regions and create challenges for local communities dependent on mountain roads.
The weather department has highlighted that landslide-prone zones such as Neelum Valley, Hunza, Skardu, and Ghizer should be monitored closely. Authorities have been advised to remain alert and ready to manage road blockages or potential damage to communication networks.
PMD Forecast for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is among the most affected provinces in the 9th spell of monsoon rains in Pakistan. Between August 29 and September 1, rainfall is predicted across several districts, including:
- Chitral, Dir, and Swat
- Kohistan, Mansehra, and Abbottabad
- Nowshera, Kohat, and Karak
- Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, and Swabi
- Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, and Dera Ismail Khan
These areas are already vulnerable due to their geography. Torrential rains could lead to flash floods in streams and nullahs, particularly in hilly and semi-hilly districts. PMD has cautioned residents living near riverbanks and slopes to remain vigilant.
Rainfall Expected in Punjab
Punjab is also bracing for heavy showers as part of the 9th monsoon spell. Between August 29 and September 2, rain with thunderstorms is expected in:
- Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Galiyat
- Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot
- Narowal, Khushab, and Sargodha
The Met Office has specifically warned of flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while streams and nullahs in northern Punjab could overflow due to the intensity of rainfall. Residents of Murree and Galiyat have also been cautioned about possible landslides that may obstruct roads and disrupt tourism during the rainy spell.
Sindh and Balochistan Included in Forecast
The 9th spell of monsoon rains in Pakistan will not remain limited to the northern and central regions. From August 30 to 31, several districts of Sindh, including Mithi, Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu, and Umerkot, are likely to experience showers.
Similarly, in Balochistan, rainfall is predicted between August 30 and September 1 in areas such as Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibi, Zhob, Kalat, and Khuzdar. These districts often face challenges with drainage and connectivity, making them highly vulnerable during prolonged rain spells.
Risk of Flooding and Landslides
The PMD has underlined that heavy rainfall could result in:
- Flash floods in rivers and hill torrents of KP and Punjab
- Urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi’s outskirts
- Landslides in mountainous areas of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Murree
Local administrations have been asked to keep machinery and rescue teams on high alert. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued precautionary guidelines to provincial governments, stressing the importance of early evacuation in at-risk zones.
Advisory for the Public
Citizens have been urged to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel in hilly areas.
- Stay away from rivers, canals, and streams during peak rainfall.
- Ensure proper drainage around homes to prevent waterlogging.
- Keep emergency supplies such as drinking water, flashlights, and medicines ready.
Parents have also been advised to prevent children from playing near floodwaters, which can rise rapidly and pose serious safety risks.
Climate Change and Rising Monsoon Intensity
Meteorologists have linked the 9th spell of monsoon rains in Pakistan to broader climate change impacts. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed more frequent and intense monsoon systems, often arriving in multiple waves. Experts argue that climate change is amplifying both the duration and severity of rainfall events, increasing the risk of disasters such as floods, landslides, and crop damage.
Environmentalists are urging the government to strengthen early-warning systems, improve urban drainage, and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure. Without long-term planning, Pakistan will remain vulnerable to seasonal weather shocks that cause billions of rupees in damages each year.
Conclusion
The 9th spell of monsoon rains in Pakistan is expected to affect nearly every region of the country, from Gilgit-Baltistan in the north to Sindh and Balochistan in the south. With risks of floods, landslides, and urban waterlogging, both authorities and citizens have been warned to remain vigilant. As the rains approach, the focus will be on minimizing human and material losses through preparedness and timely response.
River Situation and Flood Forecast August 27, 2025#FloodAlert #floodwarning #pmdweather #Monsoon2025 pic.twitter.com/irAblHDP4q
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) August 27, 2025
Read more: Live Updates: Punjab flood situation
