Upcountry braces for heavy rainfall

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast above-normal rainfall in northern parts of the country and below-normal rainfall in southern regions during the next three months, warning that higher temperatures could increase the risks of heatwaves, urban flooding, landslides and agricultural losses.

According to the PMD's latest outlook report, most parts of the country received normal to above-normal rainfall during February-April 2026. Moderate to heavy rain spells were recorded in western, northwestern and central regions during March and April, while hailstorms were also reported in parts of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Rainfall was also recorded in parts of Balochistan and Sindh during the period.

The report said average temperatures across the country remained above normal during the three-month period, with the highest increase recorded in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Overall rainfall in Pakistan remained 8.7 per cent above normal at 133.7 millimetres. Sindh recorded 126pc above-normal rainfall, while Balochistan received 31.9pc more rainfall than average.

The PMD said the outlook was prepared on the basis of analysis of nine global climate models. It added that the Indian Ocean Dipole was currently in a neutral phase but was likely to shift to a positive phase by the end of the season. El Niño conditions are also expected to strengthen further, which may enhance rainfall activity in northern and northwestern areas.

The PMD further said below-normal rainfall in southern regions may create moisture stress for Kharif crops and increase irrigation demand, while increased rainfall and snowmelt in northern areas could improve water levels in reservoirs and benefit agriculture and power generation sectors.