Islamabad, May 1, 2025 – Multiple districts across Punjab are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by isolated hailstorms today, according to a weather advisory issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The forecast indicates that while most areas in Punjab will remain hot and dry, several regions could see a shift in conditions due to an incoming westerly wave.
The PMD reports that moist currents are currently penetrating the upper and central parts of the country, including Punjab. A shallow trough of westerly wave is expected to move into the western regions by Thursday evening or night, potentially triggering rainfall and thunderstorms in various districts.
Areas in Punjab that are under the thunderstorm watch include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sahiwal, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalnagar, among others. Isolated hailstorms and heavy rainfall are also possible, particularly in these regions.
The PMD has issued a warning for strong winds, thunderstorms, hail, and lightning that may damage vulnerable structures including electric poles, solar panels, trees, and vehicles from May 1 to May 4. Residents are advised to exercise caution, especially in open and exposed areas.
On Thursday, partly cloudy weather is expected across most of the country. However, isolated rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms are forecasted in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, northeast and central Punjab, Islamabad, and Kashmir. In the evening and night, southern Punjab and southeastern Balochistan are also expected to receive thunderstorms and rainfall.
For Friday, the pattern is likely to persist, with more isolated rain and thunderstorms anticipated in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar, Islamabad, Kashmir, and throughout northeast, central, and southern Punjab. Isolated hail and heavy showers could continue in some areas.
Over the past 24 hours, hot and dry weather dominated most regions of the country, with extreme heat observed in the central and southern zones. The highest temperatures recorded were 48°C in Shaheed Benazirabad, Mohenjodaro, Sakrand, and Sibbi, while Dadu, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Padidan, Mithi, and Khanpur experienced 47°C.