Pakistan's 2026 monsoon rainfall falls 19.3% below normal

Pakistan received significantly less rainfall than usual during the 2026 monsoon season, with marked differences recorded across the country, according to data released by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Between July 1 and September 30, the country received 120.5 millimetres of rain, registering a 19.3% shortfall compared with the normal monsoon average. Sindh records biggest provincial deficit Sindh recorded the largest rainfall deficit among the provinces, receiving just 71.1mm during the three-month monsoon period. This was 50.8% below the normal level. The situation was even more pronounced in Karachi, where monsoon rainfall remained 92% below normal. Balochistan also faces rainfall shortage Balochistan recorded a 33.7% decline from its normal monsoon rainfall, making it another region significantly affected by the weaker rains. KPK & AJK Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received 16.3% less rainfall than normal, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir recorded an 18.4% deficit. Punjab Punjab experienced a relatively smaller shortfall, with rainfall 3.8% below the normal level. PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to deepen ties with China GB records above-normal rainfall Gilgit-Baltistan was the only region to receive more rain than its usual monsoon level. The region recorded rainfall 4.6% above normal. Overall, the national rainfall total stood at 120.5mm, leaving the country 19.3% below its normal monsoon precipitation. El Niño linked to weaker monsoon activity The PMD attributed part of the weaker monsoon activity to the formation and influence of El Niño, a climate pattern that can affect weather systems across different parts of the world. According to the department, El Niño can change regional weather patterns and influence both the intensity and distribution of monsoon rains across South Asia. Pakistan reach Asian Games squash semifinals after beating South Korea The PMD further noted that several neighbouring countries also experienced considerably below-normal rainfall during the 2026 monsoon season.