Pakistan recorded 13% above-normal pre-monsoon rainfall, says Met Office

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its 2026 seasonal monsoon outlook for the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan (HKH) region, warning that above-normal temperatures could accelerate glacier and snowmelt, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) during the monsoon season.

According to the outlook, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to receive near-normal monsoon rainfall.

However, temperatures across the northern mountainous regions are likely to remain above average, which could speed up the melting of glaciers and snowfields.

The PMD said the increased meltwater, combined with monsoon rains, could raise river flows and trigger localized flooding.

It also warned that short-duration but intense rainfall may lead to flash floods, landslides, mudslides and a higher risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in vulnerable mountain valleys.

The department advised residents living near rivers, streams, and glacial valleys to remain vigilant throughout the season.

It also urged relevant authorities to closely monitor weather conditions and flood risks, while asking the public to follow the latest weather advisories and official safety instructions.

In a separate report on the April-June pre-monsoon season, the PMD said Pakistan received 13 percent more rainfall than normal during the period, indicating an overall wetter-than-average season.

The report stated that the country recorded an average of 73 millimetres of rainfall during the pre-monsoon months. Punjab received 23 percent above-normal rainfall, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 15 percent, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 10 percent, and Balochistan 10 percent above average.

Rainfall in Sindh remained close to normal, while Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 17 percent below-normal pre-monsoon rainfall.