PMD Forecasts Rain, Thunderstorms for Upper Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rains for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Punjab.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) alert for the northern areas, citing an incoming weather system, high temperatures, and accelerated snowmelt as factors increasing the risks of flooding, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts.

A fresh westerly wave is anticipated to affect Pakistan’s northern regions in the coming week, bringing partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with moderate to heavy rainfall and thundershowers to Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Meteorologists note that daytime temperatures in glaciated valleys are already above normal levels. This combination of warming and precipitation is expected to significantly accelerate snow and ice melt, leading to high water levels in local river streams, potential expansion of existing glacial lakes, and the formation of new ones.

The advisory highlights critical hazards, including a high risk of sudden inundation in low-lying and downstream areas near riverbeds, and a strong likelihood of flash flooding in vulnerable locations. The rapid expansion of glacial lakes could destabilize natural ice or moraine dams, potentially triggering severe GLOF incidents. Additionally, thawing permafrost combined with excess surface water may cause heavy mud and debris flows down mountain slopes, with a significantly high likelihood of landslides in steep terrains. Citizens and travelers have been advised to adhere to safety measures.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the upper regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This alert is due to a fresh westerly wave expected during the coming week. GLOFs involve the sudden release of water and debris from glacial lakes, posing a risk to over 7.1 million people in these regions. The PMD anticipates partly cloudy to cloudy weather with moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms in glaciated valleys, where daytime temperatures are already above normal. This combination is expected to accelerate snow and ice melt, potentially leading to high river levels, expansion or formation of new glacial lakes, sudden inundation, and flash flooding in vulnerable areas. The department also warned that thawing permafrost, combined with excess surface water, could trigger mud and debris flows.

Residents and visitors in snow-bound and glaciated valleys have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, stream beds, and local nullahs, and to monitor water bodies closely. They are also urged to avoid camping, trekking, or staying near rivers, streams, glacial lakes, and narrow mountain valleys during the forecast period, and to steer clear of unstable slopes. Separately, the Meteorological Department has issued a tornado warning for the public.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms across the upper parts of the country over the weekend. This is due to moist currents from the Arabian Sea and a westerly weather system expected to influence conditions from Saturday. Widespread rain, accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms, is likely in several northern and upper regions, with isolated heavy downpours anticipated in some areas. The public has been advised to remain cautious, particularly in locations vulnerable to flash flooding, landslides, and urban flooding.

Kashmir is expected to receive intermittent rain and thunderstorms from the night of July 10 through July 13, with occasional breaks and heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Meanwhile, the Emergency Response Committee (ERC), established under the direction of the Prime Minister, reviewed the country’s preparedness for the 2026 monsoon season during a meeting held at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting was chaired virtually by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, with provincial chief secretaries, disaster management authorities, and other senior officials participating. Participants received detailed briefings on contingency plans, emergency response mechanisms, resource mobilization, and public awareness initiatives. The committee assessed provincial and district-level preparedness and stressed the importance of close coordination among federal, provincial, and local authorities to ensure a timely response to any weather-related emergencies. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening disaster management efforts and urged all relevant departments to remain on high alert as the country enters an active phase of the monsoon season. The PMD stated it would continue monitoring the evolving weather situation and issue updated forecasts and advisories as required.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a prediction for a heavy monsoon spell, prompting the government to be on alert. A weather alert has also been issued, forecasting heavy rain and hailstorms across Pakistan.

Heavy rain has continued in Depalpur since the night of July 10, 2026. The Met Department has also issued a weather prediction for Karachi.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rain for Punjab.