Punjab’s Climate Crisis Deepens: Unrelenting Monsoon Brings 36% Rainfall Surge
Punjab faces an alarming climate crisis with a 30–36% spike in monsoon rainfall, raising fears of extreme weather becoming the new norm. Learn more about this urgent environmental challenge.
Punjab climate crisis is now impossible to ignore. The 2025 monsoon season has battered the province with extreme, unprecedented rainfall — a direct result of intensifying climate change. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department and Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the province has recorded a 30 to 36 per cent increase in rainfall this season compared to previous years.
This troubling development has serious implications not just for Punjab, but for the entire country. From frequent urban flooding to overwhelmed drainage systems and unprepared local administrations, the impacts are already unfolding across multiple districts.
Record-Breaking Rainfall and Early Monsoon Onset
The monsoon season usually starts around July 15, but in 2025, the rains began abnormally early on June 25, according to PDMA spokesperson Chaudhry Mazhar. “This pre-monsoon phase transformed into full-fledged monsoon rains with exceptional intensity,” he explained.
Mazhar emphasized the alarming trend: “We’re seeing every spell of rainfall surpassing previous records, and the monsoon is now forecast to extend well into mid-September.”
Notable Rainfall Statistics
- Chakwal District recorded 423mm of rain between the night of July 16th and 17th — the highest single-day rainfall in Punjab this year.
- The first half of July saw rainfall levels 73% above average.
- Punjab’s seasonal average of 800–900mm has already been exceeded, and experts predict a total of 1,200mm by September.
These figures were confirmed by reports from both the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and PDMA, highlighting that this year’s fourth monsoon spell affected not only Punjab but nationwide rainfall trends as well.
Expert Insights: What’s Driving This Climate Shift?
The Punjab climate crisis is tied directly to larger climate patterns influenced by global warming. According to climate expert Dr Saadia Khalid, higher sea temperatures in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean are driving more moisture into monsoon winds. This has made monsoon systems more erratic, heavier, and longer-lasting.
“These rains are no longer following traditional paths,” said Dr Khalid. “Punjab — a region previously not known for high rainfall — is now facing climate anomalies. Urbanization and deforestation are compounding the problem.”
She further elaborated that land use changes have destroyed Punjab’s natural rainwater absorption capacity. As a result, urban areas are now prone to frequent and severe flooding, especially in cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi.
Urban Flooding and Infrastructure Collapse
The heavy rainfall has overwhelmed Punjab’s drainage infrastructure, particularly in urban centers. Without adequate planning or climate-resilient infrastructure, many local authorities are reacting to climate-driven disasters as they occur — rather than preventing them.
Affected Urban Areas:
- Lahore: Inner city roads submerged; emergency services strained
- Rawalpindi: Waterlogged underpasses and disrupted traffic
- Multan: Displaced communities and damaged crops
- Faisalabad: Sewage system overflows and blocked drains
Local municipalities have been slow to respond, despite advance warnings issued by the Meteorological Department and PDMA. This underscores the urgent need for a coherent and proactive climate adaptation plan.
Climate Action Urgently Needed in Punjab
The 2025 rainfall patterns in Punjab have revealed a dangerous reality: extreme weather events are becoming the norm. Without drastic shifts in policy and investment, the Punjab climate crisis will escalate further.
Key Areas for Intervention:
- Reduce Carbon Emissions: Promote clean energy and phase out fossil fuels.
- Improve Urban Planning: Integrate sustainable drainage systems.
- Reforest Degraded Lands: Restore the province’s water-absorbing tree cover.
- Climate Education: Raise awareness among citizens and policymakers alike.
- Disaster Preparedness: Equip municipalities with predictive tools and evacuation protocols.
These steps must be implemented immediately to prevent long-term climate vulnerability and avoid more frequent humanitarian emergencies in the region.
External Resources
- Pakistan Meteorological Department
- National Disaster Management Authority – Pakistan
- UN Climate Change Reports
Internal Links
- Climate Change and Heatwaves in Pakistan
- Urban Flooding: A Growing Crisis
- Monsoon Preparedness Plans for 2025
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Punjab?
The Punjab climate crisis is not a one-off event — it is a symptom of deeper, more systemic environmental instability. The 30–36% increase in monsoon rainfall is a wake-up call. If meaningful action isn’t taken soon, extreme weather could become a permanent fixture of life in Punjab.
Now more than ever, it is essential for policymakers, citizens, and international partners to treat climate change as an urgent and ongoing crisis. For Punjab and the rest of Pakistan, the time for climate resilience planning is now
