Sunday weather: widespread rain, thunderstorms across Pakistan

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds for several regions of the country on Sunday, with the possibility of heavy rainfall in parts of Sindh, Balochistan, and Kashmir. Meanwhile, hot and humid conditions are expected to persist in much of the remaining country.

Rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected in Sindh, South Punjab, Kashmir, North-East and South Balochistan, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad. Moreover, heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in South Sindh, Eastern Balochistan, and Kashmir, raising concerns of potential urban flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

Going region by region, in Islamabad and surrounding areas, the day will likely be humid and partly cloudy, with a significant chance of rain in the afternoon.

Punjab will experience mostly humid and partly cloudy conditions throughout the day. However, scattered showers accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds are expected in Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, and DG Khan. By nightfall, rain is also likely in the upper and central districts including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Sheikhupura, and surrounding areas.

While most parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to remain hot and humid, partly cloudy skies are forecast in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Kurram, and Waziristan, where rain and thunderstorms may occur in isolated spots.

A widespread rain event is forecast for Sindh, where cities and towns including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpur Khas, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Umerkot, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tando Allah Yar, and Tando Muhammad Khan are expected to see rain with strong winds and thunderstorms. Isolated heavy rainfall may lead to localised flooding in low-lying areas.

In Balochistan, largely hot and humid conditions will prevail, though rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms is anticipated in parts of Barkhan, Sibi, Kohlu, Musakhel, Qila Saifullah, Loralai, Dera Bugti, Naseerabad, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Lasbela, and nearby areas.

In Kashmir, the skies will remain partly cloudy, with the likelihood of rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Some areas may experience heavy downpours, which could impact local travel and infrastructure.

Likewise, Gilgit-Baltistan will remain partly cloudy with possibility of rain with strong winds and thundershowers.

The PMD has also issued a public advisory, urging citizens in rain-prone areas to stay alert and take necessary precautions against possible urban flooding, landslides in hilly areas, and wind-related damages. Travellers are also urged to stay updated on local weather advisories, especially in regions expecting heavy rainfall or thunderstorms.

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