Islamabad, May 22, 2025 — As the punishing heatwave continues to scorch Pakistan, all eyes are now on Islamabad, where the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a dramatic shift in weather.
A spell of rain—yes, long-awaited rain—is expected to grace the capital on Friday, May 23, offering a potential, if brief, respite from the heatwave gripping the region.
The PMD has warned that Islamabad and its surrounding areas will remain under the influence of intense heat during the day, with dry, searing conditions likely to persist. But come evening or night, there is a 40% chance of rain, possibly accompanied by windstorms or thunderstorms. The timing couldn’t be more critical, as Islamabad swelters under temperatures well above seasonal norms due to the ongoing heatwave.
According to the national weather advisory, most plain regions across the country are baking in a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring 4 to 7°C above average. The PMD specifically noted that areas including central and upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan are experiencing the most extreme deviations from normal. In the southern half—comprising Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan—temperatures have breached the 50°C mark in places like Sibbi and Dadu.
The heatwave has been intensified by prevailing continental air and a high-pressure system hovering in the upper atmosphere. However, a change is coming: moist currents are expected to penetrate the upper regions of the country starting tomorrow night. This could trigger isolated showers in Islamabad, the Potohar region, Northeast Punjab, and parts of Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
On Thursday night, Islamabad is expected to endure continued hot and dry conditions. Yet, with clouds expected to roll in by Friday evening, there is cautious optimism that rain might break this suffocating pattern.
While this forecast of rain brings a glimmer of relief, the battle against the heatwave is far from over. The capital’s residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and remain alert for possible storm activity.
Could this be the first sign of the season’s shift—or just a fleeting pause in an unforgiving heatwave? Islamabad waits, weary and hopeful, for the skies to open.