Pakistan monsoon 2026 to begin on July 1, PMD issues forecast

Karachi – Pakistan’s first monsoon spell is expected to enter the country on July 1 marking the beginning of the 2026 monsoon season.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the monsoon season is likely to begin on July 1 with the first spell affecting Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said that the first monsoon system will initially impact the northeastern parts of the country particularly Punjab and AJK. Rain is also forecast for the northern regions and northeastern Punjab starting July 1.

The Meteorological Department has predicted dry weather in Sindh and other parts of the country over the next several days. However, a low-pressure system is developing over the Bay of Bengal which could bring rain to Karachi and other coastal areas of Sindh.

Despite this, forecasters expect below-average rainfall in many parts of Sindh during the monsoon season. The PMD also warned that the southern regions, central Punjab, eastern Balochistan and western Sindh are likely to experience higher-than-normal temperatures.

The PDMA cautioned that these above-average temperatures could intensify the heat with a prolonged heatwave possible across the plains of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan.

Although overall monsoon rainfall is expected to remain below normal, the PDMA warned that some areas could still receive heavy downpours which may lead to urban flooding in major cities.