National ( The cow news digital ) The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its latest monsoon outlook for the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan mountain ranges, warning of an increased risk of flooding, glacier melt, and landslides in the country’s northern regions.
According to the weather department, seasonal rainfall is expected to remain close to normal across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the current monsoon period.
Despite the forecast of near-normal rainfall, officials cautioned that temperatures in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalayan regions are likely to remain above average. The higher temperatures could accelerate the melting of glaciers and snow, increasing the risk of flash floods and rising water levels in rivers and streams.
The PMD also warned that heavy rainfall may trigger landslides and mudslides in mountainous areas, posing threats to local communities, road networks, and transportation routes. In addition, authorities highlighted the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in high-altitude and environmentally sensitive regions, where rapidly melting ice can cause lakes to overflow or burst.
Residents living near rivers, streams, and other water channels have been advised to remain alert and closely monitor weather updates and official advisories. Authorities urged people in vulnerable areas to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
Pakistan experiences its annual monsoon season between July and September, bringing much-needed rainfall but also increasing the risk of floods, landslides, and infrastructure damage, particularly in northern and mountainous regions.
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Disaster management agencies and local administrations are expected to remain on high alert throughout the monsoon season to respond quickly to any emergencies. Travelers planning to visit northern tourist destinations are also encouraged to check weather forecasts and road conditions before departure.
The latest outlook underscores the importance of preparedness as changing weather patterns and rising temperatures continue to heighten climate-related risks across Pakistan’s mountain regions.
