Health & Policy | August 2026 | 4 min read
⚡ Quick Takeaways
- PMD has forecast rain, wind and thundershowers from August 13 to 15.
- Upper and central Pakistan are expected to receive the main spell.
- Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot face urban flooding risk.
- Landslides may occur in upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir.
- Tourists, farmers and travelers have been advised to plan with caution.
Pakistan is set to face another active monsoon spell as the PMD warns that rain, strong winds and thunderstorms may affect several districts over three days.
| 3 Days Forecast period |
Aug 13-15 Main rain spell |
Flood Risk Low-lying cities |
Rain Spell to Affect Upper and Central Pakistan
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a three-day spell of rain, wind and thundershowers across upper and central parts of the country from August 13 to August 15. The department said isolated heavy falls are also expected in some areas, which means the weather may change quickly during the period. The spell is being caused by monsoon currents entering the upper parts of Pakistan, along with a westerly wave already affecting the region.
According to the forecast, rain activity will not remain continuous in every district. Instead, several areas may receive showers with occasional gaps. This pattern is common during active monsoon conditions, where one area may see heavy rain while nearby areas experience cloudy weather, gusty winds or only light showers. For residents, the practical message is simple: outdoor plans should remain flexible, and official alerts should be checked before travel.
| Weather Alert: The forecast includes isolated heavy falls, so short periods of intense rain may create sudden drainage and traffic problems. |
Cities and Regions Covered by the Forecast
Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northeastern Punjab are expected to receive rain and thundershowers from the night of August 12 to August 15. The affected areas include Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Gilgit, Skardu, Chitral, Swat, Abbottabad, Galiyat, Peshawar, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and nearby districts. These areas often remain more exposed during monsoon spells because hills, streams and urban drainage systems can react sharply to heavy downpours.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Pothohar region are expected to receive rain and thundershowers from the evening or night of August 13 to August 15. The PMD has also included Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan in the forecast. Parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel, may also receive rain and thundershowers during the same spell.
In Sindh, the outlook is more limited. Southeastern and coastal areas are expected to remain partly cloudy to cloudy, while Tharparkar, Umerkot and Sanghar may receive rain and thundershowers on August 12 and 13. Hot and humid conditions are likely to continue in most other parts of the province, making the weather uncomfortable even where rain is not expected.
| Region | Expected Timing | Main Areas Mentioned |
| Kashmir and GB | Night of Aug 12 to Aug 15 | Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Gilgit, Skardu |
| Upper KP and Galiyat | Night of Aug 12 to Aug 15 | Chitral, Swat, Abbottabad, Galiyat, Peshawar |
| Punjab and Pothohar | Aug 13 evening/night to Aug 15 | Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot |
| Sindh | Aug 12 and 13 in selected areas | Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar; cloudy coastal belt |
Urban Flooding and Landslide Risks
The PMD has warned that heavy rain may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore. These cities have several underpasses, low roads, busy markets and residential pockets where water can accumulate quickly during intense rain. Commuters should expect slower traffic, temporary road closures and possible delays in public and private transport if heavy showers hit during peak hours.
The department has also warned of possible landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir. Hill roads can become dangerous during heavy rainfall because loose soil, falling stones and slippery surfaces can block routes without much warning. Tourists traveling to these areas should avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rain and should follow instructions from local authorities.
| Public Safety: People living near streams, hill slopes, underpasses and low-lying settlements should stay alert during intense showers. |
Advice for Travelers, Farmers and Livestock Owners
The PMD has advised tourists and travelers to exercise caution during the forecast period. Families planning road trips to northern areas, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan should check road conditions before leaving and avoid driving through flooded streets or fast-moving water. Motorcyclists and small vehicles are more exposed during strong winds and heavy showers, especially on open roads and slippery hilly routes.
Farmers have also been advised to plan crop-related activities according to the weather. Rain can help some crops, but heavy showers may damage standing crops, stored fodder or recently applied inputs. Livestock owners should keep animals away from open drains, weak shelters and waterlogged fields. Feed, medicines and equipment should be stored in dry places so that short but heavy downpours do not create avoidable losses.
| Farm Advisory: Farmers should delay weather-sensitive work where possible and protect livestock, stored feed and machinery from rainwater. |
Disclaimer: This article is based on the PMD forecast details available at the time of writing. Weather conditions may change, and readers should follow official PMD and local administration updates for the latest guidance.
