Monsoon activity intensified across northern and central Pakistan on Monday, bringing scattered thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall to several regions. Meanwhile, Karachi remained hot and humid, with little chance of rain despite cloudy skies.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), moist currents from the Arabian Sea combined with a westerly weather system have strengthened monsoon conditions across much of the country. As a result, several northern areas experienced rain, gusty winds, and thunderstorms.
Islamabad Receives Rain as More Thunderstorms Are Expected
Islamabad began the day under misty conditions with a temperature of 32°C. However, high humidity made it feel closer to 39°C.
Scattered thunderstorms affected parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the morning hours. The PMD recorded a 40 to 52 percent chance of rainfall between 9am and 11am.
The weather department forecast a maximum temperature of 37°C and a minimum of 25°C for the capital.
Furthermore, officials warned that thunderstorm activity is likely to continue overnight. The probability of rain was estimated at 72 percent after 2am.
The PMD also forecast 9.23 inches of rainfall for Islamabad on Monday.
Meanwhile, the capital’s air quality deteriorated to “unhealthy” levels as the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 152.
Rainfall Reported Across Punjab, KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir
Monsoon showers extended across the Potohar region, upper and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
Several districts in Punjab received notable rainfall during the past 24 hours.
Lahore Airport recorded 49mm of rainfall, while Narowal received 48mm. Rain was also reported in Attock and Jhelum.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balakot and Kakul experienced light showers.
Similarly, Gupis in Gilgit-Baltistan also received rainfall.
Across Kashmir, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, and Garhi Dupatta witnessed thunderstorms and rain.
Karachi Remains Hot and Humid
Unlike northern Pakistan, Karachi continued to experience hot and humid weather.
The city’s maximum temperature reached 35°C. However, humidity pushed the “feels like” temperature to 37°C.
Humidity remained high at 74 percent, while partly cloudy skies covered the city throughout the day.
Despite the cloud cover, no rainfall was expected.
Meanwhile, Karachi’s air quality remained moderate with an AQI of 95.
PMD Warns of Heavy Rain, Hailstorms and Urban Flooding
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms may affect Islamabad, Rawalpindi, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir over the next two days.
The weather system may continue with occasional breaks.
Additionally, officials cautioned that strong winds, lightning, and urban flooding could damage vulnerable infrastructure.
Cities facing a higher risk include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, and Faisalabad.
Therefore, authorities advised farmers to protect standing crops from possible weather-related damage.
Tourists have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel in the mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir because of landslide risks.
Sindh and Balochistan Stay Mostly Hot and Dry
In contrast, most parts of Sindh and Balochistan continued to experience hot and dry weather. However, dust-raising winds are expected in parts of both provinces during the coming days.
Nokkundi remained among the hottest places in Pakistan, where the temperature reached 47°C.
PMD Shares Seasonal Outlook
The Pakistan Meteorological Department stated that the current monsoon spell is expected to produce below-normal rainfall across most parts of the country.
However, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to receive above-normal rainfall. At the same time, temperatures across Pakistan are expected to remain above normal through September.
Consequently, concerns over heat stress and water scarcity may increase in parts of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan as the summer season continues.
