Pakistan Weather Report Shows Record April Rainfall; Heatwave, Flood Risks Forecast for Coming Months

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has released its April 2026 climate report along with a seasonal outlook for May, June, and July, highlighting unusual weather patterns and potential risks ahead in Pakistan.

According to the report, rainfall in April 2026 was 65% above normal, with the national average recorded at 41.1 mm. Sindh saw a sharp increase of 169% in rainfall, while Punjab recorded 109% above normal levels. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received 48% above-normal rainfall, whereas Gilgit-Baltistan experienced below-average precipitation.

The average national temperature in April stood at 25°C. The highest temperature of 47.5°C was recorded in Shaheed Benazirabad, while Mithi was declared the hottest city of the month with an average temperature of 39.9°C. The coldest temperature of 1.5°C was recorded in Kalam, and Bugrote in Gilgit-Baltistan was identified as the coldest location with an average minimum temperature of 5.5°C.

Parachinar received the highest rainfall of the month at 283.6 mm. The report also noted that western weather systems caused rainfall, snowfall, and hailstorms in several regions, while plains experienced increasing heat followed by generally hot and dry conditions later in the month.

The outlook for May to July indicates below-normal rainfall in southern Pakistan, raising concerns over potential damage to Kharif crops, particularly in rain-fed agricultural areas. However, northern regions are expected to receive above-normal rainfall, which may help improve water reservoir levels.

Meteorologists have warned of possible flash floods and landslides in northern areas, while urban flooding risks remain in parts of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Southern Punjab and Sindh are also expected to face heatwave conditions.

The report further cautions about rising temperatures, dust storms, and hailstorms, which could impact agriculture, infrastructure, and transportation. In Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, rising temperatures may accelerate glacier melt, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods and higher river levels. Health risks such as the spread of vector-borne diseases, including dengue, are also expected to rise due to warmer conditions.