Punjab on alert as PDMA warns of thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hail amid widespread rains
Residents walk along a flooded road following monsoon rains and rising water levels in the village of Qadirabad, near the Chenab River, in Punjab province, Pakistan, on August 28, 2025. Photo: Reuters
LAHORE:
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a provincial alert for thunderstorm, rain and possible hailstorm on Saturday after widespread rain was recorded in several districts during the last 24 hours.
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 rains as weather activity continues over central and northern Punjab.
PDMA director general Irfan Ali Kathia said commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province had been put on alert. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in Lahore has also directed operational staff to remain on the ground in view of possible urban flooding and rainfall-related disturbances.
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Residents have been advised to stay in safe locations during thunderstorms and avoid open areas during periods of thunder and strong winds. The PDMA has also urged precautionary measures during dust storms, while farmers have been advised to adjust farming activities according to weather conditions. Tourists traveling to northern areas have been asked to be cautious due to unstable weather patterns.
The alert comes after significant rains recorded in Punjab in the previous 24 hours. Joharabad received the highest rainfall at 72 millimeters, followed by Hafizabad at 44 mm and Noorpur Thal at 43 mm. Kasur and Sheikhupura recorded 22mm each, while Gujranwala received 16mm. Sargodha recorded 13 mm, Jhang 12 mm, Attock 11 mm, Bhakkar 8 mm, Chakwal 7 mm and Okara 5 mm.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said a seasonal low pressure system persists over northern Balochistan and adjoining regions, while a westerly wave continues to affect the upper parts of the country. Wet currents from the Arabian Sea are also penetrating into the central and upper regions, contributing to unstable weather conditions.
Authorities have forecast mostly hot and dry weather across much of the country over the weekend. However, isolated rain, windstorm and thunderstorm are expected over Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir along with adjoining mountainous areas on Saturday and Sunday.
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 places 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, which could disrupt travel and outdoor activities.
On the contrary, dry and stable conditions are expected to persist in and around Ziarat for the next few days, making it a comparatively more predictable destination for travelers.
In Lahore, the weather remained partly cloudy on Saturday with intervals of sunshine and chance of rain later in the day. The city’s temperature was recorded at 27°C, with an expected maximum near 33°C. Humidity stood at 64%, while winds of 11 kilometers per hour were recorded.
