Met Office forecasts above-normal temperatures across Pakistan from July to September

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its nationwide weather outlook for July to September 2026, forecasting above-normal temperatures in most parts of the country and warning of multiple climate-related risks, including heatwaves, flash floods, landslides and water shortages.

According to the forecast, Balochistan, Punjab, and southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to experience higher-than-normal temperatures during the three months.

The department warned that intermittent heatwaves and severe heat conditions may affect many regions, with southern Punjab and Sindh likely to face increased heat stress.

The PMD said northern areas, including Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are expected to receive normal to slightly above-normal rainfall.

While the additional rainfall may improve water availability, it also raises the risk of flash floods and landslides in mountainous regions.

The department highlighted that rain in the northern catchments could boost water levels in rivers and reservoirs. Nevertheless, there would be chances of urban flooding in the cities of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa owing to the downpour.

The weather forecast highlighted that the above-normal temperature in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir would lead to faster melting of snow and glaciers, thus increasing the chance of GLOFs in vulnerable zones.

Regarding agriculture, the PMD is concerned about low rainfall expected in certain areas of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

According to the report, low rainfall might cause water shortages for vital Kharif crops and an increased reliance on irrigation, stored water and groundwater.

Furthermore, farmers were informed that windstorms, sandstorms, thundershowers and hailstorms due to the change in weather pattern could damage standing crops, vegetables and orchards.

The farmers have been asked to take safety measures and follow the latest weather advisories prior to irrigation and harvesting activities.

The Met department also warned of the possibility of some public health issues as a result of prolonged hot weather, which may result in increased chances of contracting mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever.

The chances will be especially high in the major cities, especially in the southern parts of the country. As per the forecast, the extended drought period between rainy days is likely to add to heat stress in the plains of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

The PMD also advised the citizens to protect themselves from heat by avoiding direct sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm.

Drinking a lot of water, wearing loose and light clothes, and staying in shaded areas are some steps that need to be followed for safety from heat.

Children, the elderly, and outdoor workers are among those who are most prone to heat stroke and other heat-related conditions; hence special precautions should be taken for them.

Moreover, tourists and travelers have also been asked to take caution in case of rainfall.