Rain, thunderstorms and isolated heavy downpours are forecast across northern and central Punjab, with authorities warning of waterlogging and travel disruptions.
LAHORE: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast another spell of monsoon rain across several districts of Punjab over the next two days, with isolated heavy showers expected in parts of the province.
According to the latest weather advisory, hot and humid conditions will continue across much of Punjab, while rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms is expected in northern, central and eastern districts.
Heavy rain likely in several districts on Tuesday
The PMD said Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Nankana Sahib, Okara, Kasur and Sheikhupura are likely to receive rain with thunderstorms on Tuesday.
The department has warned that isolated heavy rainfall may occur in these areas, increasing the risk of waterlogging in low-lying locations and causing disruption to road traffic.
During the evening and night, rain and thunderstorms are also expected in Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Khushab, Mianwali, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Layyah, Bhakkar and Noorpur Thal.
Rain expected to continue on Wednesday
The weather is expected to remain hot and humid across most parts of Punjab on Wednesday. However, the PMD has forecast another round of rain and thunderstorms for Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore and Sheikhupura.
Weak monsoon currents influencing weather
According to the PMD, weak monsoon currents are penetrating the upper and eastern parts of Pakistan, while a westerly wave is affecting the north-western regions of the country. The interaction of these weather systems is expected to produce unsettled conditions over the coming days.
Nationally, rain with thunderstorms and isolated heavy falls is forecast on Tuesday in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab, while southern parts of the country are expected to remain hot and humid.
On Wednesday, most areas of Pakistan will continue to experience hot and humid weather, although rain and thunderstorms are likely in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and north-eastern Punjab.
Heavy rainfall recorded across several regions
The PMD reported widespread rain and thunderstorms during the past 24 hours, with heavy rainfall recorded at a number of locations.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Saidu Sharif recorded the highest rainfall at 88mm, followed by Kakul with 78mm and Mir Khani with 38mm.
In Punjab, Faisalabad received 77mm of rain, Sialkot City 73mm, Gujrat 54mm, Mandi Bahauddin 49mm, Okara 48mm, Bahawalnagar 45mm, Rawalpindi Katcheri 41mm and Lahore Airport 28mm. Other notable rainfall totals included Attock (26mm), Gujranwala (23mm), Toba Tek Singh (21mm), Chakwal (13mm) and Murree (12mm).
Elsewhere, Zhob in Balochistan received 22mm of rainfall, Babusar in Gilgit-Baltistan recorded 8mm, while Garhi Dupatta in Kashmir received 5mm.
Heat persists despite monsoon activity
Despite the ongoing monsoon spell, high temperatures continued in parts of the country. Dalbandin recorded the highest maximum temperature at 45°C, followed by Nokundi and Sibi at 44°C.
The PMD has advised residents in districts likely to receive heavy rainfall to remain vigilant for possible waterlogging, reduced visibility and traffic disruptions during thunderstorms. Authorities have urged commuters to exercise caution, particularly in low-lying areas and during periods of intense rainfall.