Pakistan experienced its hottest monsoon season in seven years in 2026, with temperatures reaching 48.5°C in Turbat, Balochistan, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). At the same time, most parts of the country received less rainfall than their normal seasonal averages.
The PMD report highlights major differences in weather conditions across Pakistan. While several regions faced significant rainfall shortages, some areas experienced intense downpours over short periods. Sindh and Balochistan recorded the largest rainfall deficits, while Gilgit-Baltistan was the only region to receive more rain than its seasonal average.
The findings show how uneven weather conditions were during the 2026 monsoon season, with extreme heat and rainfall shortages occurring alongside episodes of heavy rain.
Turbat Records Highest Temperature
Turbat recorded the season’s highest temperature of 48.5°C. According to the report, the extreme heat was recorded on July 7, 12, 30 and 31, when temperatures climbed to exceptionally high levels.
In contrast, temperatures dropped considerably in northern Pakistan towards the end of the season. Skardu, in Gilgit-Baltistan, recorded a low of 6°C on September 23 as cooler conditions set in.
The difference between the extreme heat in Turbat and the low temperature in Skardu reflects the wide variation in weather conditions across the country during the monsoon period.
Sindh and Balochistan Face Major Rainfall Shortages
Sindh recorded a rainfall deficit of 51 percent compared with its normal monsoon level, making it the region with the largest shortfall in the report. Balochistan followed with a deficit of 34 percent.
Other regions also received less rainfall than usual. Azad Jammu and Kashmir recorded an 18 percent shortfall, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received 16 percent less rain than normal. Punjab recorded a smaller deficit of 4 percent.
Gilgit-Baltistan was the only region listed in the report to receive rainfall above its seasonal average. It recorded a surplus of 5 percent.
These figures indicate that rainfall was below normal across most regions. The shortages were particularly significant in Sindh and Balochistan, where reduced precipitation can place additional pressure on water availability and agricultural activities.
Heavy Rainfall Recorded in Lahore and Gujranwala
Despite the overall rainfall shortage, some areas experienced intense spells of rain during the season.
Lahore airport received 252 millimetres of rainfall in a single day on July 23. Gujranwala recorded a cumulative rainfall total of 607 millimetres during July.
These figures highlight the uneven distribution of monsoon rain. A region can experience severe rainfall shortages across a season even when certain locations receive heavy downpours over a short period.
Such differences are important when assessing seasonal rainfall because national and regional averages do not always reflect conditions in individual cities and districts.
What the PMD Findings Show
The PMD findings point to a monsoon season marked by extreme temperatures and below-average rainfall across most of Pakistan. Turbat’s 48.5°C reading highlighted the intensity of the heat, while the rainfall figures showed substantial differences between regions.
The report also illustrates why seasonal averages must be considered alongside local weather events. Heavy rain in Lahore and Gujranwala did not prevent most regions from recording rainfall deficits.
However, the reported figures alone do not establish that climate change caused every temperature extreme or rainfall variation. Further analysis would be needed to determine the contribution of long-term climate trends to the conditions recorded during the 2026 monsoon.
