Punjab likely to remain hotter than normal as dry weather persists

LAHORE: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast hot and dry weather in most districts of Punjab on Sunday, with temperatures expected to stay above normal, particularly in the province’s central and southern plains.

According to the latest weather outlook issued by the PMD, a shallow westerly wave that had earlier influenced the upper parts of the country has weakened, reducing the likelihood of rainfall. The department said dry and humid conditions are therefore expected to prevail across Punjab.

The PMD said the weather pattern marks a change from Saturday, when isolated upper areas including Kashmir, Murree and the Galliyat saw partly cloudy conditions with chances of light rain. For Sunday, however, no significant rainfall is expected even in those upper regions, indicating a further rise in heat intensity.

In the plains, especially in central and southern Punjab, daytime temperatures are likely to remain 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal. The forecast points to increased discomfort for residents already dealing with rising temperatures.

Recent weather data cited by the department showed that Rahim Yar Khan recorded the highest temperature in Punjab at 41.5 degrees Celsius. By contrast, Murree remained relatively cool, with a minimum temperature of 12.0 degrees Celsius.

In Kashmir, Garhi Dupatta recorded a high of 35.0 degrees Celsius, while Rawalakot reported the lowest temperature at 10.6 degrees Celsius.

Upper areas also expected to stay largely dry

The PMD’s assessment suggests that the weakening of the weather system affecting northern areas has significantly lowered the chances of precipitation. While some upper locations had experienced partly cloudy weather and possible light rain a day earlier, the department said Sunday is unlikely to bring any meaningful rainfall there.

The forecast underscores a broader spell of dry weather across Punjab, with the central and southern districts expected to feel the strongest impact of above-normal temperatures. The department’s warning comes as heat levels continue to climb in several parts of the province.

The weather advisory was published on Saturday for conditions expected on Sunday.