Islamabad, August 16, 2026: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast an extended spell of rain, strong winds and thundershowers across the upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21, with intermittent breaks.
According to the Met Office, monsoon currents are currently penetrating the northern parts of Pakistan and are expected to persist during the coming days. A westerly wave is also likely to enter the upper parts of the country from August 17. The interaction of the two weather systems is expected to produce widespread rainfall in several regions.
In Kashmir, rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls, is expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the evening of August 16 through August 21, with occasional breaks.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to receive significant rainfall between August 17 and 21. Rain, wind and thundershowers, including isolated heavy falls, are forecast for Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar and Mardan.
The southern districts of the province, including Karak, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Waziristan, are expected to receive rainfall later, mainly on August 20 and 21.
Islamabad and upper Punjab will also experience unsettled weather. Rain, wind and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal from the evening of August 16 until August 21.
Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan are expected to receive rain mainly on August 20 and 21.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain, strong winds and thundershowers are forecast for Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from August 18 to 21, with intermittent breaks.
Most parts of Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain hot and humid. However, Musakhel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat and Khuzdar may receive rain, wind and thundershowers from the evening of August 17 through August 20.
The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore between August 17 and 20.
There is also a risk of landslides in mountainous and hilly areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir throughout the forecast period.
The Met Office advised tourists and travellers planning to visit mountainous and other affected areas to exercise caution and remain informed about changing weather conditions. Farmers have also been advised to plan agricultural activities accordingly and take necessary precautions to protect livestock.
The PMD has urged all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to minimise the risk of any untoward incident during the prevailing weather system.
