More Rain and Thunderstorms Forecasted Across Pakistan

Following a powerful storm that impacted Punjab and surrounding regions, additional rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and hail, is anticipated in various parts of the country today (Sunday).

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a weather advisory, indicating potential thunderstorms and precipitation in Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Pothohar region, and specific areas within Punjab and Balochistan. Isolated areas may experience intense rainfall or hailstorms.

The Met Office also noted that Jacobabad recorded the nation’s highest temperature in the last 24 hours, reaching 50 degrees Celsius, followed by Sibi at 49°C.

Other notable temperatures included: Dadu, Mohenjo Daro, Rohri, Larkana, and Nawabshah at 47°C; Sukkur at 46°C; Hyderabad at 45°C; Multan at 44°C; Lahore and Faisalabad at 41°C; Quetta and Peshawar at 38°C; Karachi at 37°C; Gilgit at 36°C; Islamabad at 35°C; and Muzaffarabad at 33°C.

Previously, at least 14 individuals died and 51 sustained injuries due to rain-related incidents as dust storms and thunderstorms swept through several cities in Punjab.

Significant winds and heavy rainfall led to damage in the federal capital, with reports of hail. Homes in Abpara were flooded, and the water level in Nala Lai rose, prompting officials to declare a rain emergency in Rawalpindi.

In Lahore, a dust storm followed by rain caused widespread power disruptions. Numerous trees were uprooted, searchlight poles collapsed at Gaddafi Stadium, and several booths were destroyed, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled practice session between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators.

Chakwal also experienced disruptions, as the storm forced authorities to temporarily close a section of the M-2 motorway near Kallar Kahar. Cities such as Multan, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Attock, and Sialkot faced blackouts, and strong winds damaged solar panels at various locations.

Rescue personnel have attributed the fatalities to the collapse of old buildings and other storm-related incidents. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) stated that compensation will be provided to the affected families in accordance with Punjab government policy.

Similar weather conditions were observed in KP. A dust storm affected Peshawar, while rainfall was documented in Malakand, Abbottabad, Mardan, Charsadda, and Mansehra. In Swat, flooding impacted homes and businesses, and hailstorms caused damage to crops and orchards.

In AJK, rainfall impacted areas including Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad. Flooding resulted in the closure of Sharea Neelum at Badiyan Seri.