The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a province-wide alert for thunderstorms, rain, and possible hailstorms after widespread showers were recorded in several districts over the past 24 hours.
Rain Expected Across Punjab
Rain is expected in most parts of the province, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Faisalabad, Jhang, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Khushab, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Kot Addu, and Mandi Bahauddin. Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal are also expected to receive rainfall lashing central and northern Punjab.
Authorities on Alert
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province had been placed on alert. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in Lahore directed operational staff to remain in the field in view of the possibility of urban flooding and rainfall-related disruptions.
Safety Advisories
Residents were advised to stay in safe locations during lightning and avoid open areas during periods of thunder and strong winds. The PDMA also urged precautionary measures during dust storms, while farmers have been advised to adjust agricultural activities according to weather conditions. Tourists travelling to northern areas have been asked to remain cautious due to unstable weather patterns.
Recorded Rainfall in Past 24 Hours
The alert follows significant rainfall recorded across Punjab in the previous 24 hours. Joharabad received the highest rainfall at 72 millimetres, followed by Hafizabad with 44mm and Noorpur Thal with 43mm. Kasur and Sheikhupura recorded 22mm each, while Gujranwala received 16mm, Sargodha 13mm, Jhang 12mm, Attock 11mm, Bhakkar 8mm, Chakwal 7mm, and Okara 5mm.
Meteorological Conditions
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) stated that a seasonal low-pressure system persists over north Balochistan and adjoining regions, while a westerly wave continues to affect upper parts of the country. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also penetrating central and upper regions, contributing to unstable weather conditions.
Weekend Forecast
Authorities have forecast mostly hot and dry weather across much of the remaining country over the weekend. However, isolated rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir, along with adjoining hilly areas.
Tourism Advisory
In a tourism-focused advisory, the PMD warned that rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are expected on Sunday in several popular northern destinations, including Murree, Galliyat, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Swat, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Kaghan Valley, Naran, Kalam, Chitral, and Dir.
It added that while many tourist destinations may remain partly cloudy, intermittent rain and thunderstorms are likely to continue from Monday to Thursday in hill stations such as Kaghan, Naran, and Kalam, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor activities.
In contrast, dry and stable conditions are expected to persist in Ziarat and surrounding areas over the coming days, making it a more predictable destination for travellers.
In Lahore, weather remained partly cloudy on Saturday with intervals of sunshine and a chance of rain.
