A fresh spell of rain is set to bring much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave in Pakistan, as a strong weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, starting Tuesday night, according to the Met Department.
The deputy director of the Meteorological Department, Irfan Virk, said that intermittent rains will occur throughout the week in northern and central regions of Pakistan. The weather system will help reduce the intensity of the ongoing heatwave, which has gripped several parts of the country in recent days.
Where and when rain in expected
Rain with strong winds, thunder, and even hailstorms is forecasted in various regions:
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From May 27 to 31, rain is expected in:
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Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and surrounding areas
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Sargodha, Mianwali, Gujranwala, and Sialkot
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Several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha and Mianwali
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In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), thunderstorms and intermittent rain are likely till Saturday in:
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Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Abottabad and Mansehra
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Haripur, Malakand, Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, and Kurram
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Waziristan, Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Swabi, Karak, Bannu, and Kohat
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In south Punjab and Balochistan, the system will bring rainfall from May 27 to 30 to:
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Zhob, Ziarat, and Barkhan
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Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rajanpur
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According to the Met Department, hailstorms and dusty winds may damage solar panels, electricity poles, and light infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable rural areas.
Govt issues alerts
The Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have issued a formal alert to all district administrations across both provinces. The PDMA has also directed officials to ensure the availability of heavy and light machinery in case of emergencies, road blockages, or power disruptions.
Speaking on the occasion, PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia said the alert was issued as per the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, urging all departments concerned, including education, health, irrigation, construction and communications, local government, and livestock, to remain on standby.
“Storms, dusty winds, and heavy rains are expected in multiple districts between May 27 and 31. Public institutions and emergency responders must ensure readiness,” said a PDMA Punjab spokesperson.
Tourists, travellers advised to stay cautious
Travellers, particularly those heading to hilly areas like Murree, Galiyat, and northern KP, have been advised to take precautionary measures, as landslides and flash floods may occur in vulnerable zones.
Authorities are also urging the public to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid parking vehicles under trees or power lines, and keep emergency kits ready.
