Weather update: Significant rainfall expected across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In latest weather update, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued forecasts indicating significant rainfall across various regions of the country.

While the monsoon rains are expected to provide a much-needed respite from the prevailing heat, humidity levels are expected to rise.

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In Punjab, rain is expected in major cities, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Mandi Bahauddin and Chiniot.

The Met Office reported that Lahore could see up to 52 mm of rain, with the airport area receiving as much as 70 mm.

The minimum temperature in Lahore today is expected to clock in at 25 degrees Celsius, while the maximum is expected to reach 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds will blow at a speed of 8 kilometres per hour.

Further south, districts such as Okara, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Nankana Sahib are likely to experience showers. The Met Office advised residents to remain alert as the rain may vary in intensity across the region.

In central Punjab, rain is expected in Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali and Bhakkar. The department reported 36 mm of rain in Faisalabad and 35 in Mandi Bahauddin so far,

Layyah, Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Kot Addu, and Rahim Yar Khan are also under a severe spell of rain.

Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected in Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera Ismail Khan, Waziristan and Bannu. The Met Office warned of potential flash flooding in these areas, particularly in regions with poor drainage systems.

Rain has also been reported in various areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, bringing pleasant weather.

However, low-ly6ing areas in Rawalpindi have already experienced flooding due to the rain, with roads and streets in Affandi Colony and Sadiqabad resembling dirty ponds.

In Attock, heavy rain has been falling for the past hour and a half, leading to flooding in many areas. A storm drain in Mirza village broke, causing water to enter houses.

Thunderstorms and strong winds have also been reported in Rojhan, while heavy rain with thunder have been observed in Sahabatpur and surrounding areas.

Rain with thunder has been noted in Sibi, breaking the intense heatwave. Heavy rain was also recorded in Mardan and its vicinity.

Light rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds was reported in Jacobabad.

In the tribal area, rain is likely in Buner, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai and Mansehra; Abbottabad and Haripur were also included in the forecast.  

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In Balochistan, rain is expected in Barkhan, Kohlu, Musakhel, Dera Bugti and Loralai. The Met Office noted that rain is also likely in Zhob, Khuzdar, and surrounding regions.

However, weather in Sindh is expected to rain hot and humid, with little to no rain. The PMD advised residents to stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.