The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued its initial forecast for the 2025 monsoon season, warning of above-normal rainfall and rising temperatures across most parts of the country, which could result in floods and other environmental threats.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Director General Mehar Sahibzad said that higher-than-usual rainfall is expected between July and September. Heavy downpours are likely in central and northern Punjab, upper Sindh, and eastern Balochistan.

Meanwhile, southern Punjab, northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to receive below-normal rainfall. The Met Office has also predicted a significant rise in temperatures nationwide.

Mehar Sahibzad cautioned that extreme heat is likely in parts of Sindh, Balochistan, and southern Punjab. This could lead to rapid glacier melting and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), particularly in the northern areas, raising the risk of flash floods.

The briefing also warned that the forecasted weather conditions could severely impact agricultural output, fruit harvests, and electricity transmission across affected regions.