Islamabad, May 24, 2025 – Hold on tight, Islamabad! The capital is bracing for a dramatic change in weather as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a high probability alert for a thunderstorm set to strike on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
This long-anticipated weather shift is expected to bring much-needed relief from the scorching heat gripping the region—but not without its dangers.
According to the PMD, there is a 55% probability of thunderstorm activity accompanied by hailstorm in Islamabad. The sky is expected to remain heavily overcast with potential episodes of rain, duststorms, and isolated heavyfalls. The PMD warns residents to be vigilant, especially as gusty winds and lightning strikes could damage infrastructure, uproot trees, and topple unstable structures like solar panels and electric poles.
But the drama begins even earlier—Saturday, May 24, carries a 60% probability of similar thunderstorm conditions, with thick clouds hovering over Islamabad and its surroundings. Residents can expect loud thunder, blinding flashes of lightning, and strong winds sweeping through the city.
Meteorologists explain the synoptic situation: moist currents are currently penetrating upper and central Pakistan, while a shallow westerly wave is poised to intensify conditions in the north. These developments are setting the stage for what could be a wild weather weekend, particularly for Islamabad, Punjab, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northeastern Balochistan.
As for the rest of the country, most regions will continue to experience dry and oppressive heat. In the past 24 hours, temperatures soared to extreme levels with Sibbi recording a blistering 51°C, Dadu at 50°C, and several cities like Jacobabad and Mohenjo-Daro touching 49°C.
Although isolated rains fell in parts of northeastern Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan, they brought minimal relief. The real action, however, is now shifting toward Islamabad where the probability of a powerful thunderstorm is increasing by the hour.
The PMD has urged residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during stormy periods, and secure loose objects around their homes. With yet another thunderstorm lurking and the probability of severe weather events stacking up, Islamabad is in for a turbulent but refreshing turn of events this weekend.