Here’s How Much Monsoon Rainfall is Expected This Year

Pakistan is expected to witness 25% higher-than-average rainfall during the upcoming monsoon season, prompting Punjab to ramp up emergency measures to prevent urban flooding and manage climate-related hazards.

The warning comes amid Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events, despite contributing less than 1% to global carbon emissions. The country continues to face escalating climate challenges, including heat waves, droughts, and destructive floods.

To assess preparedness, Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia visited the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in Lahore. During a detailed briefing, Chief Meteorologist Zahir Babar confirmed that the heaviest rainfall is expected in August, with an overall 25% increase in precipitation anticipated this season.

Babar stressed the importance of early warnings for cities such as Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala to minimize urban flood damage. Kathia assured that comprehensive response plans are in place, emphasizing interdepartmental coordination to manage potential cloudbursts and flooding incidents.

Officials also reviewed the flood early warning systems for hill torrents and real-time river monitoring managed by the Flood Forecasting Division. Kathia praised the PMD’s technical strength and collaborative approach, calling the coordination between PMD and PDMA Punjab “exemplary.”

This proactive approach comes in light of the devastating 2022 monsoon, which claimed nearly 1,700 lives and caused over $35 billion in damages, underlining the urgent need for preparedness in the face of climate volatility.