Rain, storm alerts issued as heat and humidity grip major cities

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Management Authority on Thursday warned of rain, thunderstorms and possible flash flooding in several parts of the country over the coming days, even as hot and humid weather continues in major urban centres including Lahore and Karachi.

According to the PMD, rain is likely in Islamabad as well as parts of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan from June 11 to June 13. It also said some areas could receive hailstorms during this period.

The NDMA said thunderstorms and heavy rainfall may cause flash floods in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It warned that mountain streams and seasonal waterways could see a rise in water levels during the forecast window.

Areas under alert

The authority identified Chitral, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram and Mansehra in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa among the areas facing flood risk. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh and Rawalakot were also listed as vulnerable.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, the NDMA warned of possible flooding in streams and waterways in Gupis-Yasin, Ghizer, Diamer, Tangir, Darel and Gilgit districts. Residents living in low-lying localities and near water channels were advised to take precautionary steps.

The authority also urged tourists and other travellers to avoid unnecessary movement towards mountainous areas during spells of intense rain. In a separate advisory, the NDMA issued a landslide alert for Gilgit-Baltistan and nearby mountainous regions from June 12 to June 15.

It said temporary road blockages and travel difficulties could occur at multiple points on the Karakoram Highway and the Jaglot-Skardu Road during that period.

Conditions in Lahore and Karachi

While a change in weather may develop in the coming hours, Lahore is expected to remain hot. The PMD forecast the city's maximum temperature at 41 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 31 degrees Celsius. Winds are expected at around 13 kilometres per hour, while humidity is likely to stay at 51 per cent, keeping conditions muggy.

Karachi is also expected to remain under intense heat, with the PMD forecasting hot and humid conditions and bright sunshine through the day. The city's maximum temperature is expected to stay between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius.

The PMD said Karachi's minimum temperature was recorded at 30.3 degrees Celsius, while the current temperature stood at 32 degrees Celsius. Humidity was measured at 78 per cent, which the department said could make it feel considerably warmer, with the perceived temperature reaching around 40 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds were blowing at 22 kilometres per hour.

Authorities advised the public to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and to take precautionary measures in view of the prevailing weather conditions.