Monsoon rains accompanied by windstorms and thunderstorms brought much-needed relief from the prevailing hot and humid weather in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several upper and central parts of the country on Wednesday, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting more rain across these regions on Thursday.
Relief from Intense Heat
The country had been experiencing an unprecedented spell of intense heat, consistent with the rising frequency of extreme weather events witnessed across many parts of the world that experts attribute to the impacts of climate change. However, the current monsoon spell, forecast by the PMD for July 01-06, has brought significant relief to heat-stricken areas.
Rainfall Distribution
Rain-windstorms and thundershowers, with isolated heavy falls, occurred in Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northeastern Balochistan. In the federal capital, rain that started in the evening continued intermittently with gaps till night, lowering temperatures and providing respite from the heat.
Thursday Forecast
The Met Office said rain-windstorms and thundershowers, accompanied by isolated heavy falls, are expected on Thursday in Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northeastern Balochistan, while hot and humid weather is likely to persist over other parts of the country. It said partly cloudy weather with rain-windstorms and thundershowers, along with isolated heavy falls, is expected in Islamabad and adjoining areas during the day.
Landslide and Flood Warnings
According to the PMD, heavy rainfall during Wednesday night and Thursday may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, and Kashmir, besides causing flash flooding in local streams and nullahs. Hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan may also experience flash flooding. The department further warned that heavy downpours could lead to urban and flash flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Faisalabad during the forecast period.
Precautionary Advice
It also cautioned that windstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electricity poles, and billboards, and advised the public to take necessary precautions during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
Weather in Other Regions
Meanwhile, mainly very hot and humid weather is expected to prevail across most districts of Sindh, while Balochistan is likely to remain hot to very hot, with rain and thunderstorms expected at isolated places including Zhob, Sherani, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Harnai, Sibbi, Musakhel, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, and Khuzdar.
Recent Rainfall and Temperature Records
During the last 24 hours, hot and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while very hot and humid conditions persisted over the plains. However, isolated rain-windstorms and thundershowers were recorded in Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khuzdar, Zhob, Murree, and Sialkot. The highest rainfall during the period was recorded at Kakul (36 mm), followed by Malam Jabba (25 mm), Muzaffarabad Airport (19 mm), Balakot (17 mm), Garhi Dupatta and Kotli (12 mm each), Khuzdar (12 mm), and Zhob (8 mm). The highest maximum temperature recorded in the country on Wednesday was 47°C at Nokkundi and Dalbandin, followed by 46°C in Dadu and 45°C in Sibbi.
