Met Office warns of heatwaves, flooding

Pakistan is expected to witness normal to above-normal rainfall from May to July, with risks of heatwaves and localised flooding, the country's Met Office—the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)— said in its latest forecast.

The Met Office reported that between February and April, most parts of the country experienced either normal or below-normal rainfall.

Southern Balochistan and much of Sindh received significantly less precipitation, leading to reduced soil moisture levels. In contrast, moderate to heavy rainfall occurred in the northern and central regions.

From May to July, "most areas of the country are likely to receive near-normal rainfall," it said. Central and southern parts, including northeast Punjab, are expected to receive slightly above-normal rainfall.

However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Kashmir may see below-average rain.

The department warned of the potential for heatwaves during this period, particularly in southern Punjab and Sindh. There is also a likelihood of flooding in June and July in areas of Sindh, Punjab, Azad Kashmir, and the K-P.

"Rising temperatures in northern K-P, GB and Kashmir will accelerate snowmelt, leading to increased river flows," the forecast noted.

Pakistan experienced its second-hottest April in 65 years, with average temperatures soaring well above historical norms, meteorological data revealed, as experts warned of a looming climate emergency.

The PMD said average nationwide temperatures during April 2025 were 3.37°C higher than the long-term norm. Daytime highs were particularly severe, with average maximum temperatures 4.66 °C above usual levels.