ISLAMABAD: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several northern areas of Pakistan, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warning of possible urban flooding, flash floods and landslides.
According to the PMD, rain-wind/thundershowers are likely in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Punjab, the Pothohar region, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on Thursday.
Isolated heavy rainfall is expected during the evening and night.
The forecast comes as Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced intermittent rain for a second consecutive day, prompting Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) teams to remain deployed in low-lying areas.
Rawalpindi rain disrupts school activities
Rainwater accumulated at Jamia Girls Higher Secondary School in Rawalpindi, creating difficulties for students and disrupting teaching activities.
Meanwhile, the body of a girl who drowned in a Rawalpindi stormwater drain on Monday was recovered.
Rescue officials said the girl’s dupatta and slippers were found near Gulberg Green, while CCTV footage of the incident has also emerged.
Urban flooding warning issued
The PMD warned that heavy rainfall during the nights of September 3 and 4 could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as well as Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot.
The department also warned that heavy rain could cause flash flooding in local streams and nullahs in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad-Rawalpindi and the Pothohar region.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert as water levels in streams and drainage channels could rise rapidly following intense rainfall.
Landslide risk in hilly areas
Heavy rainfall may also increase the risk of landslides in hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir.
In Islamabad and surrounding areas, partly cloudy weather with rain-wind/thundershowers is expected, with isolated heavy rainfall possible during the night.
Heavy Rain Lashes Islamabad, Rawalpindi as Flood-Warning Sirens Wail
Weather forecast for Punjab and KP
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-wind/thundershowers are expected in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, Buner, Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Malakand, Mohmand, Khyber, Bajaur, Kohat, Parachinar and adjoining areas.
Isolated heavy rainfall is likely during the evening and night.
In Punjab, hot and humid conditions will prevail across most districts. However, rain-wind/thundershowers are expected in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Narowal, Sialkot, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat and adjoining areas.
Isolated heavy rain is also possible during the night.
Karachi may receive drizzle
Sindh will remain hot and humid, although partly cloudy conditions with chances of drizzle are expected in coastal areas, including Karachi.
Balochistan will also experience hot and humid weather in most districts, while partly cloudy conditions are expected in coastal areas.
In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, partly cloudy weather with rain-wind/thundershowers is forecast, with isolated heavy rainfall possible in Kashmir.
Islamabad records highest rainfall
The PMD said rain-wind/thundershowers were recorded in Islamabad, the Pothohar region, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during the previous 24 hours, with heavy rainfall at isolated locations.
Islamabad’s Saidpur recorded the highest rainfall at 45mm, followed by Islamabad City at 28mm and the Airport at 12mm.
Saidu Sharif received 35mm, while Rawalpindi’s New Kattarian recorded 13mm and Shamsabad 12mm.
Hot and humid weather continued across southern parts of the country.
Temperatures remain high in parts of Pakistan
The highest maximum temperature of 43°C was recorded at Dalbandin and Nokkundi, while Sibi, Bhakkar and Dadu recorded 41°C.
The PMD recorded the following minimum and maximum temperatures:
- Islamabad: 21-33°C
- Lahore: 27-36°C
- Karachi: 26-33°C
- Peshawar: 25-35°C
- Quetta: 20-37°C
- Gilgit: 19-33°C
- Muzaffarabad: 22-36°C
- Skardu: 15-26°C
- Murree: 14-23°C
- Faisalabad: 28-39°C
- Multan: 27-38°C
With heavy rain forecast over the coming nights, authorities and residents in low-lying and mountainous areas remain on alert for possible urban flooding, flash floods and landslides.
