ISLAMABAD, September 15, 2026: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of possible urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Lahore from Tuesday night through September 17 due to expected heavy rainfall.
The weather department also warned of rising water levels in local streams and seasonal nullahs in several areas, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Heavy rainfall may also increase the risk of landslides in mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir.
The PMD cautioned that strong winds, thunderstorms, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures and installations, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.
According to the weather department, a low-pressure system that was previously located over eastern Gujarat in India has moved westward and is currently positioned over western Gujarat and adjoining areas of southeastern Sindh. The system is expected to weaken and become ineffective during the next 24 hours.
At the same time, a westerly weather system is affecting upper and central parts of the country.
During the next 24 hours, rain accompanied by strong winds, dust storms and thunderstorms is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, upper and central Punjab, Islamabad and southeastern Sindh.
Some areas of Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southeastern Sindh and upper Punjab may receive heavy rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms. Light rain is also possible at a few places in southern Punjab.
On Wednesday, further rain with strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad and northeastern Balochistan. Some areas may also experience heavy rain and hailstorms.
The PMD said several areas of Islamabad, the Potohar region, upper Punjab and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received rain with strong winds and thunderstorms during the past 24 hours. Rain was also reported at some places in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and lower Sindh.
The highest rainfall in Punjab was recorded in Islamabad, including 52mm at Bokhra, 44mm at Golra, 28mm at the airport, 25mm at Zero Point and 23mm at Saidpur. Okara received 50mm, while Rawalpindi recorded 44mm at New Katarian and 42mm at Pirwadhai.
Other notable rainfall totals included 42mm in Mandi Bahauddin, 26mm in Faisalabad, 25mm in Gujrat and 23mm in Jauharabad.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Upper Dir received 39mm, Malam Jabba 23mm and Chitral 9mm. Muzaffarabad recorded 14mm at the airport and 5mm in the city, while Babusar in Gilgit-Baltistan received 4mm.
The PMD urged people in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain alert, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. The warning highlights the need for timely preparedness as heavy rain can quickly increase the risk of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.
