Several parts of the country, including Punjab, are expected to experience more rain, thunderstorms, and hail today (Sunday), following a powerful storm that swept through various areas a day earlier, resulting in 14 fatalities and injuring 51 people.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, weather conditions remain unstable, with chances of thunderstorms and rainfall in Islamabad, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Pothohar region, and select parts of Punjab and Balochistan. Isolated areas could see heavy downpours or hailstorms.
Over the past 24 hours, Jacobabad recorded the highest temperature nationwide at 50°C, followed by Sibi at 49°C. Other notable temperatures included 47°C in Dadu, Mohenjo Daro, Rohri, Larkana, and Nawabshah; 46°C in Sukkur; 45°C in Hyderabad; 44°C in Multan; 41°C in Lahore and Faisalabad; 38°C in Quetta and Peshawar; 37°C in Karachi; 36°C in Gilgit; 35°C in Islamabad; and 33°C in Muzaffarabad.
The severe weather conditions on Saturday brought strong winds, heavy rain, and hail to many areas. In Rawalpindi, rising water levels in Nala Lai and water entering homes in Abpara led to the declaration of a rain emergency.
Lahore experienced widespread power outages after a dust storm and subsequent rain. Strong winds uprooted trees and toppled light poles at Gaddafi Stadium, damaging several booths and forcing the cancellation of a scheduled practice match between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators.
In Chakwal, storm damage led to the temporary closure of a section of the M-2 motorway near Kallar Kahar. Cities such as Multan, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Attock, and Sialkot were hit by blackouts, with strong winds dislodging solar panels at multiple locations.
Rescue teams reported that the casualties were primarily caused by collapsing structures and storm-related accidents. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that compensation will be given to affected families as per Punjab government policy.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, dust storms and rain affected various districts. Peshawar was hit by strong winds, while rainfall was reported in Malakand, Abbottabad, Mardan, Charsadda, and Mansehra. In Swat, floodwaters entered homes and shops, while hail damaged orchards and crops.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir also witnessed heavy rainfall, impacting areas like Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad. Flooding forced the closure of Sharea Neelum at Badiyan Seri due to overflowing water channels.
