Punjab Braces for Rain, Dust Storms as PDMA Issues Alert

A weak weather system carrying dust-laden winds and rain is affecting Lahore and other parts of Punjab, prompting authorities to issue an alert for rain, windstorms and possible hailstorms across the province.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the recent rainfall has eased the intensity of heat in Lahore and surrounding areas. The provincial capital recorded a minimum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius on Friday, while the maximum is expected to reach 34 degrees Celsius. Additional rain accompanied by dusty winds is forecast for Lahore and several districts of Punjab.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said rainfall is likely across most of the province, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Faisalabad, Jhang, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Wazirabad.

The authority also forecast rain for Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Khushab, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Kot Addu and Mandi Bahauddin, with showers also expected in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Jhang and nearby areas.

The PDMA Director General said commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab have been placed on alert in line with directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, to ensure a timely response to any emergency.

In Lahore, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has instructed its operational staff to remain in the field to address any urban flooding or drainage issues that may arise from the expected rainfall.

The PDMA advised citizens to stay indoors or in safe locations during thunderstorms and avoid open areas during lightning activity, while also urging the public to take precautions against strong winds and dust storms. Farmers have been advised to make advance arrangements in view of the changing weather, and tourists heading to northern areas have been urged to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.