Heavy rainfall is forecast across Punjab, including major cities like Lahore and Rawalpindi, from August 25-26, 2025, raising concerns about urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas.
Monsoon System Brings Flood Risks to Punjab
A powerful monsoon weather system is set to bring heavy rainfall to multiple districts of Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad, on August 25 and 26, 2025. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a medium-level alert, warning of potential urban flooding and flash floods in vulnerable areas.
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Heavy Rainfall Expected Across Key Districts
The PMD forecasts widespread rain and thunderstorms, with heavy downpours likely in several regions, including:
- Upper Punjab: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Khushab, Sargodha, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, and Lahore.
- Southern Punjab: Sahiwal, Kasur, and Bahawalpur.
The heaviest rainfall is expected in low-lying areas of Narowal, Sialkot, Gujrat, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, and Lahore, where urban flooding is a significant concern. Torrential rains could also trigger flash floods in local streams and nullahs, posing risks to infrastructure and property in flood-prone zones.
Authorities on High Alert
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has urged residents in at-risk areas to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines. Local administrations in cities like Rawalpindi and Lahore are monitoring water levels in nullahs and rivers, including the Nullah Leh, which has a history of overflow during heavy rains. Rescue teams are on standby, equipped with boats and emergency supplies to assist affected communities.
In a recent statement, the PMD emphasized, “Heavy downpours may overwhelm drainage systems in urban centers, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from streams and rivers.”
Recent Flooding Context
Punjab has faced severe monsoon-related flooding earlier in 2025, with a July deluge claiming over 60 lives and causing significant damage in Chakwal, Rawalpindi, and Jhelum. A cloudburst in Chakwal alone recorded 449mm of rain, submerging villages and prompting large-scale rescue operations. The current alert underscores the region’s ongoing vulnerability to extreme weather, worsened by climate change, which has increased the intensity and frequency of monsoon rains.
Safety Measures and Public Advisory
To minimize risks, authorities have outlined key precautions for residents:
- Avoid traveling during heavy rainfall to reduce exposure to flooded roads.
- Stay clear of rivers, nullahs, and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
- Monitor weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities.
The PDMA has also restricted public access to vulnerable areas near rivers and streams, particularly in hilly regions like Murree and Galliyat, where landslides are a concern.
What to Expect Next
The monsoon spell is expected to subside after August 26, but the PMD warns of additional rain spells in late August and early September. With rivers like the Sutlej already showing medium-level flooding at Ganda Singh Wala, authorities are closely monitoring water flows to prevent further damage.
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