Today : May 09, 2025
Climate & Environment
08 May 2025

Severe Weather Forecasted Across Punjab This Weekend

Rain, thunderstorms, and potential hailstorms expected in multiple regions as temperatures remain high.

LAHORE – A spell of rain, thunderstorms, and possible hailstorms is forecasted to hit Lahore and various parts of Punjab beginning Sunday evening, May 4, 2025, and continuing into Monday, May 5, 2025. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), moist air currents are penetrating central and southern Pakistan, while a westerly wave is influencing weather conditions across the upper and central regions of the country.

The PMD has indicated that cities such as Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujarat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sahiwal, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Multan, Khanewal, Layyah, Bhakkar, Taunsa, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan are expected to experience intermittent rains and gusty winds during this period.

Isolated heavy rains and hailstorms are also anticipated, with Lahore's maximum temperature likely remaining between 34°C and 36°C on Monday and Tuesday. This follows a period of hot and dry weather that prevailed in Lahore and most districts of Punjab, where isolated rainfall was recorded. For instance, rainfall measurements indicated 4 mm at Islamabad Airport, 3 mm at Bhakkar and Dera Ghazi Khan, and 1 mm at Murree and Multan.

On the other hand, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Attock recorded the highest temperatures in Punjab at 38°C. Meanwhile, Sahiwal, Multan, and Faisalabad saw maximum temperatures of 37°C, with Lahore reaching a maximum of 35°C. The relative humidity in the morning was reported at 53 percent.

As the weather system progresses, the PMD has forecast that the adverse weather conditions will continue to impact various regions of Pakistan until May 12, 2025. Starting from the night of May 7, rain, thunderstorms, and potential hailstorms are expected to spread across the country, with the upper and central regions being the first to experience these conditions.

In Kashmir, areas including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Mirpur will see rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms, with chances of heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms from May 7 to May 12. Similarly, Gilgit-Baltistan will experience comparable weather from May 8 to May 12, affecting districts such as Diamir, Skardu, Gilgit, and Hunza.

Punjab and Islamabad are also on alert, with rain and thunderstorms, including potential hailstorms, predicted in the capital and cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad between May 7 and May 11. Southern parts of Punjab, including Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, will likely see similar conditions from May 8 to May 10.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to experience intense rain, strong winds, and hail from May 7 to May 12, particularly in northern and central districts, while southern districts such as Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu will see rain between May 8 and May 10. In Balochistan, thunderstorms and rain are forecast for Quetta, Zhob, Khuzdar, and other areas from the evening of May 7 to May 10.

Furthermore, Sindh is also set to receive rainfall in parts, including Sukkur, Larkana, and Tharparkar, from the evening of May 8 through May 10. The PMD has issued warnings regarding potential damage from wind and hailstorms to vulnerable infrastructure such as power lines, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.

Farmers, especially those engaged in wheat harvesting, are urged to plan their activities according to the forecast. Authorities and disaster management agencies have been advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential hazards posed by the upcoming weather conditions.

The PMD’s forecasts highlight the need for preparedness as these weather patterns develop, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and taking precautions to ensure safety and minimize disruption.