The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast predicting partly cloudy skies accompanied by rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms across the northern and upper regions of Pakistan on Thursday. Alongside these conditions, there is also a chance of isolated hailstorms in some areas, signaling a shift from the generally dry weather experienced in many parts of the country recently.
This weather system is expected to primarily impact the higher altitude areas, including upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, the federal capital Islamabad, and the Pothohar plateau. These regions are likely to see intermittent showers and thunder activity, which could bring some relief from the prevailing dry spell. Islamabad and its surrounding localities, in particular, may witness cloudy conditions with bouts of rain and thunder, while a few pockets might experience hail, adding to the intensity of the weather.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forecast highlights rain and thunderstorms in several districts such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Bajaur. However, it is important to note that many other districts in the province are expected to remain dry, indicating a localized weather pattern rather than a widespread rainfall event. This selective distribution of rain could influence agricultural activities and water resources in the affected areas.
Similarly, parts of Punjab province are also expected to experience partly cloudy weather accompanied by rain and thunderstorms. Districts including Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali, Jhelum, Gujrat, Lahore, Gujranwala, Murree, and the Galiyat region are forecasted to receive precipitation, with isolated hailstorms possible in some locations. Meanwhile, the remainder of Punjab is likely to stay dry, maintaining the usual weather conditions for this time of year.
On the other hand, most districts of Sindh are predicted to continue experiencing hot and dry weather, consistent with the region’s typical climate during this season. Balochistan is also expected to remain largely dry, with no significant rainfall anticipated in the majority of its areas. This contrast between the northern and southern parts of the country highlights the diverse climatic zones within Pakistan and the varying weather patterns they experience.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are also expected to see cloudy skies with rain and thunderstorms, with the possibility of isolated hailstorms in some parts. These weather conditions could affect daily life and travel plans in these mountainous regions, where sudden changes in weather are not uncommon.
In addition to the precipitation forecast, the PMD has issued a caution regarding winds that may carry pollutants from neighboring Iran into western Pakistan. This movement of dust and pollutants could temporarily degrade air quality in the affected areas, posing health concerns for residents, especially those with respiratory issues.
Reflecting on recent weather trends, the past 24 hours saw rain and thunderstorms reported in parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Islamabad, and the Pothohar region. Isolated hailstorms were also recorded in some locations, underscoring the variability of weather in these northern zones. Meanwhile, most other parts of the country remained dry, with southern regions continuing to experience high temperatures.
The highest rainfall amounts during this period were recorded in Pattan with 74 millimeters, Malam Jabba with 60 millimeters, and Kakul with 36 millimeters. On the temperature front, the hottest spots in the country included Mithi and Chhor, both reaching 40 degrees Celsius, followed by Hyderabad and Tando Jam at 39 degrees Celsius, and Shaheed Benazirabad at 38 degrees Celsius. These figures illustrate the stark contrast between the cooler, rain-affected northern areas and the scorching heat persisting in the southern parts of Pakistan.
