Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an alert in Punjab as different cities including Lahore, Chakwal, Faisalabad, Jhelum, Joharabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Toba Tek Singh and Jhang received heavy rain early Friday morning.
The rain coupled with strong winds dented the mercury bringing down the temperatures considerable.
A number of cities throughout Punjab and north of the country were hit by rain and thunderstorms, as a fresh western disturbance gripped the upper parts of the country.
The weather system, accompanied by strong winds and occasional hailstorms, brought relief from the scorching heat but also caused disruptions in parts of the region.
In Lahore, dark clouds hovered over the skyline before heavy rain, thunder, and lightning swept through the provincial capital.
The rain severely disrupted Lahore Electric Supply Company’s (LESCO) transmission system, leaving citizens frustrated. Dozens of feeders tripped due to the rain and technical faults, leading to power outages in multiple areas.
PDMA Director-General Irfan Ali Kathia said that this rain spell will provide much-awaited relief to people as mercury will drop and decrease in temperature will be witnessed.
He said that PDMA has already established a control room to monitor the situation round-the-clock.
Irfan Ali Kathia directed relevant officials to take immediate measures for drainage of rain water from the low-lying areas.
He advised people to keep themselves away from electric pools and hanging electricity wires and avoid any incident and should not go under open sky to avoid lightening.
DG PDMA said that people must refrain themselves from living in poor-quality and mud houses during the rainy days.
He advised people to contact on PDMA Helpline 1129 in case of any emergency.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported similar weather conditions in areas including Islamabad, the Potohar Region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. Rain-windstorms were also recorded in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan over the past 24 hours.
Notable rainfall amounts included 15mm in Dir, 10mm in Pattan, and 9mm in Kalam. Light showers were also recorded in Malam Jabba, Cherat, Saidu Sharif, and parts of Gilgit and Punjab.
Meanwhile, Karachi remained hot and humid, with temperatures ranging between 33°C to 35°C, but felt higher due to humidity levels reaching perceived temperatures of 37°C to 39°C. Isolated thunderclouds were expected to form near the city’s outskirts.
The PMD has forecast continued rain-thunderstorm activity in tourist hotspots such as Swat, Kalam, Hunza, Skardu, Murree, and Galiyat throughout Friday.
