Heavy Rain Forecast for Upper and Central Pakistan, Urban Flooding Feared

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy downpours in upper and central parts of the country on August 20, with a risk of urban flooding in several major cities.

According to the PMD, intermittent rain is expected to continue in upper and central areas from August 19 to 21. On August 20, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, the Potohar region and northeastern Punjab are likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, with heavy rainfall at some locations.

The weather department has warned of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot due to intense rainfall.

Rain Expected in Several Areas

According to the PMD and Flood Forecasting Division, widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad and Kashmir on August 20.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain is likely in Abbottabad, Bajaur, Battagram, Buner, Haripur, Dir, Malakand, Mansehra, Mardan, Shangla, Swabi, Swat and Torghar.

Punjab districts including Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Lahore, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura and Sialkot are also expected to receive rain and thunderstorms.

Rain is also possible at isolated places in Attock, Chakwal, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Kasur, Khushab, Mandi Bahauddin, Nankana Sahib and Sargodha, while some areas of Gilgit-Baltistan may also experience rain and thunderstorms.

WEATHER ALERT | HEAVY RAINFALL & FLOODING RISK
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert regarding heavy rainfall expected during the night of 19 August and on 20 August 2026.#PMD #HeavyRainfall #Monsoon2026 #FlashFlood #UrbanFlooding #Landslide pic.twitter.com/zQXnsnWfC4

— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) August 19, 2026

Risk of Urban and Flash Flooding

The Flood Forecasting Division has warned that widespread rainfall is expected in the upper catchments of the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers over the next 48 hours.

Water levels in the Ravi and Chenab rivers and their associated streams could rise to low to moderate flood levels. There is also a risk of flash flooding in hill torrents and streams in Dera Ghazi Khan and tributaries of the Kabul River.

Authorities in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Gujrat have been advised to remain alert because of the risk of urban flooding.

Heavy Rain Expected in Potohar Region

According to the PMD’s special weather outlook for the Potohar region, heavy rainfall was expected from August 18 to 20, while temperatures were forecast to remain between 32°C and 34°C.

The weather department has advised citizens to exercise caution around low-lying areas, streams and nullahs during rainfall and avoid unnecessary travel.

Relevant authorities have also been urged to make necessary arrangements to deal with possible urban flooding and flash floods.

The PMD said the rainy spell is likely to continue intermittently in upper parts of the country even after August 20.