LAHORE: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued its seasonal outlook for June and the following two months, warning that most parts of the country are likely to experience below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures, increasing the risk of heatwaves, water shortages, and pressure on the agricultural sector.
According to the PMD, the country received an average of 22.4 millimetres of rainfall in May 2026, around 10 percent below normal levels. The average national temperature during the month was recorded at 29.2 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degrees above the long-term average.
Punjab received 29.7 millimetres of rainfall in May, about 19 percent above normal. In contrast, Sindh recorded only 0.3 millimetres of rainfall, representing a 91 percent deficit. Rainfall in Balochistan remained 71 percent below normal, while Gilgit-Baltistan received 33 percent more rainfall than average.
The monthly forecast for June indicates that rainfall across most regions will remain near normal or slightly below normal. The largest deficits are expected in northeastern Punjab, Kashmir, and adjoining areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
However, Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are likely to receive slightly above-normal rainfall during the month.
The Meteorological Department said El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean have become active again and are expected to persist in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Indian Ocean Dipole remains in a neutral phase. These climate patterns could lead to uneven rainfall distribution across the country.
Temperatures are expected to remain above normal nationwide throughout June. Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may experience particularly high temperature anomalies, while southern Punjab, Sindh, and the plains of Balochistan are likely to face intense heat and an increased risk of heatwaves.
