Pakistan’s Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its latest monsoon outlook for the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan mountain ranges, warning of an elevated risk of floods, landslides, and glacial hazards despite forecasting near-normal rainfall across the country’s northern regions.
According to the PMD, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to receive near-normal monsoon rainfall during the season. However, temperatures across the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan ranges are likely to remain above normal, increasing the pace of glacier and snowmelt.
The department warned that accelerated melting of glaciers could significantly raise river flows, increasing the likelihood of flash floods and flooding in downstream areas. Authorities also cautioned that Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) remain a serious threat in high-altitude and vulnerable regions.
In addition, heavy rainfall could trigger landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides in mountainous areas, potentially disrupting roads, tourism, and local communities.
The PMD has urged residents living near rivers, streams, and seasonal nullahs to remain vigilant and closely follow weather advisories as conditions may change rapidly during the monsoon season.
Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures contributing to faster glacier melt in the country’s northern mountains. The PMD and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) routinely issue seasonal alerts during the monsoon to help local administrations prepare for potential emergencies.