WEBDESK: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more widespread monsoon rains for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several parts of the country on Thursday evening and Friday.
The most recent weather report documents that monsoon currents are likely to enter the central and upper Pakistan regions and there is also a westerly wave that will be impacting these areas.
Under these conditions, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Kashmir, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan are likely to experience heavy downpour. It is anticipated that there may be gaps in between occasional rain spells or flash floods may develop at isolated places.
Urban Flooding and Landslide Warnings
The Met Office has warned of possible flash floods in local streams and nullahs of Murree, Galiyat, Manshera, Swat, Kohistan, Chitral, Dir, Nowshera, Mardan, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. Landslides and mudslides could also block roads in hilly areas of KP, Murree, Galiyat, and Kashmir.
There’s also a warning of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Peshawar.
Heavy Rains Lash Lahore as Monsoon Grips Major Cities
Lahore witnessed a record-breaking 136 millimetres of rain in just eight hours, bringing both relief and challenges. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) confirmed that Lakshmi Chowk received the highest rainfall at 178 mm, followed by Jail Road at 119 mm and Gulberg at 141 mm.
Many other areas saw significant rain, including Iqbal Town (162 mm), Samanabad (149 mm), and Johar Town (133 mm). The heavy rainfall has helped drop temperatures but raised fears of waterlogging in several parts of the city.
Weather Forecast Across Major Cities in Pakistan
The temperature in Islamabad on Friday is projected to be between 32oC-34oC whereas in Rawalpindi it can be 31oC-33oC. High temperatures were already observed last week in other parts of the country as Nokkundi hit a maximum of 46 o C and Dalbandin a maximum of 45 o C.
Heavy Rainfall Reported in Other Regions
The cities of Sialkot, Gujrat, Chiniot, Kasur, and Sargodha experienced heavy rain with thunder and lightning. Narowal, Daska, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad also reported strong winds and downpours.
In Balochistan, Dadu received 35 mm of rain, while Sibbi recorded 24 mm. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Cherat saw 20 mm, and Peshawar recorded 13 mm at the airport.
NDMA, Rescue Teams on High Alert Amid Rains
Authorities have placed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and local rescue teams on high alert to handle any emergencies caused by the heavy rainfall.
The PMD has urged citizens, especially those in low-lying and hilly areas, to stay cautious and follow safety guidelines during the ongoing monsoon season.
Read more: Pakistan weather update: PMD warns of flash floods, urban flooding as monsoon intensifies
