The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday predicted rainfall in several northern and upper regions of the country, including parts of central Punjab and interior Sindh. However, the majority of districts in Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain under hot and humid weather conditions.
According to the latest PMD updates, sporadic rainfall, gusty winds, and isolated thunderstorms affected numerous areas in northern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), bringing much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat that had persisted in recent days.
Read more: Monsoon in Pakistan to Arrive Early with 5% Above-Normal Rainfall: NDMA Warns
In Islamabad, skies remained partially cloudy, with the potential for heavy showers in select locations. Rainfall was anticipated in areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Haripur, Abbottabad, and Mansehra. Similar weather conditions were projected for Malakand, Shangla, Kohistan, and Peshawar.
Despite rainfall in some northern parts, many areas in Punjab and KP continued to experience warm and humid conditions, the Met Office stated.
In the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, light to moderate rain began early in the day and persisted intermittently. Samaa correspondent Umar Asif reported minor water accumulation in lower-lying parts of Rawalpindi, though the city’s drainage systems functioned effectively overall.
Lahore Welcomes Weather Relief
Lahore, which had faced extreme temperatures reaching up to 45°C, experienced a sudden shift in weather with scattered morning showers that brought temperatures down to 22°C. Citizens expressed joy and relief at the change, calling it a “rain of mercy” after days of intense heat and humidity.
Omar Yaqoob, reporting for Samaa from Lahore, noted that several areas including Airport Road, Upper Mall, Garhi Shahu, Gulberg, Laxmi Chowk, and Model Town received rainfall accompanied by strong winds.
Locals celebrated the break in the weather, with one Laxmi Chowk resident describing the rain as a blessing during a difficult summer spell. The PMD confirmed that the rain in Lahore is expected to continue for another 12 hours. Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a weather alert, warning that this monsoon season could bring rainfall exceeding normal levels by over 25%.
Forecast for Punjab and Interior Sindh
Heavy rain is also predicted in various areas of central Punjab including Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Talagang, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Okara.
While interior Sindh may see scattered rainfall, Karachi and other coastal regions are unlikely to experience significant showers. The weather in most districts of Balochistan will remain dry and extremely hot.
Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas to exercise caution and stay informed via official weather alerts.
