Punjab on alert as PDMA warns of thunderstorms, strong winds and possible hail amid widespread rain
Residents cross a flooded road following monsoon rains and rising waters in the village of Qadirabad, near the Chenab River, in Punjab province, Pakistan, August 28, 2025. Photo: Reuters
LAHORE:
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday issued a province-wide alert for thunderstorms, rain and possible hailstorms after widespread downpours were recorded in several districts over the last 24 hours.
Rains are 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 rainfall as weather activity continues in 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 ordered operational staff to remain on the ground due to possible urban flooding and rainfall-related disruptions.
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Residents were advised to stay in safe places during thunderstorms and avoid open areas during periods of thunder and strong winds. The PDMA also urged to take precautionary measures during dust storms, while farmers were advised to adjust their farming activities according to the weather conditions. Tourists traveling to northern areas have been advised to remain cautious due to unstable weather conditions.
The alert follows heavy rainfall recorded across Punjab over the previous 24 hours. Joharabad received the highest rainfall at 72 millimeters, followed by Hafizabad with 44 mm and Noorpur Thal with 43 mm. Kasur and Sheikhupura recorded 22 mm each, while Gujranwala received 16 mm. 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 that a seasonal low pressure system persists over northern Balochistan and adjoining areas, while a westerly wave continues to affect the upper parts of the country. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea also penetrate the central and upper regions, contributing to unstable weather conditions.
Authorities forecast generally warm and dry weather across much of the country over the weekend. However, isolated rainstorms and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir and adjacent hilly areas on Saturday and Sunday.
In a tourism-focused advisory, the PMD warned that rain, strong winds and thunderstorms, as well as 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.
He added that while many tourist spots remain partly cloudy, intermittent rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue from Monday to Thursday in hill stations such as Kaghan, Naran and Kalam, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor activities.
In contrast, dry and stable conditions are expected to persist in and around Ziarat over the coming days, making it a comparatively more predictable destination for travelers.
In Lahore, the weather remained partly cloudy on Saturday with intervals of sunshine and a chance of rain later in the day. The city’s temperature was recorded at 27°C, with an expected maximum near 33°C. Humidity was 64%, while winds were 7 miles per hour.
