Heavy Rains Lash Lahore, Downpours Forecast Across Country

News Desk 

Lahore: Scattered heavy rain lashed various parts of Lahore on Saturday, with the Meteorological Department forecasting continued wet weather over the next 24 hours.

The highest rainfall in the city — 53 mm — was recorded at Lakshami Chowk and nearby areas, including Shimla Hill, Abbott Road, and Garhi Shahu.

According to MET officials, a new spell of heavy to very heavy rain is expected from Sunday evening (July 13) through Monday (July 14), with the potential for flash floods in local streams and nullahs across Murree, Galliyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, northeastern Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Balochistan.

Landslides and mudslides may block roads in hilly regions such as Murree, Galliyat, Gilgit-Baltistan, and areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Urban flooding is also possible in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar. Authorities have urged the public to remain alert and take precautionary measures.

Strong winds accompanying the downpour could damage weak infrastructure, including electric poles, trees, solar panels, and parked vehicles.

The MET office noted that weak monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are currently affecting the country and are likely to intensify by Sunday. Additionally, a strong westerly wave is expected to enter upper and central parts of the country.

Rainfall was also reported in several other cities, including Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Noor Pur Thal, Joharabad, Layyah, DG Khan, Khanewal, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Sibbi, Khuzdar, Barkhan, Ormara, Parachinar, D.I. Khan, Lower Dir, Garhi Dopatta, Bunji, Astore, Skardu, Mithi, and Chhor.

Dalbandin recorded the highest temperature on Saturday at 44°C, while Lahore experienced a maximum of 34°C.