Rain likely as heatwave eases

Dust storms forecast for Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad

LAHORE:

Widespread dust storms and scattered rain are expected across much of upper and central Punjab this weekend, bringing temporary relief from the intense heat that has gripped the region in recent weeks.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Saturday that a westerly weather system currently moving across the country is likely to continue influencing weather patterns through Monday.

While most of Punjab will continue to experience hot and dry weather during the day, isolated areas — particularly in Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad and surrounding districts — could see dust storms and thundershowers. Kashmir is also likely to receive scattered rainfall and thunderstorms.

By Sunday, the weather is expected to remain warm and partly cloudy across most districts, but the chance of dust storms and rain will spread to additional areas, including Gujranwala, Sargodha, Bhakkar, and Jhang. The PMD also noted the possibility of hail in some places during the period, especially in upper Punjab and Kashmir.

In the last 24 hours, several areas in Punjab reported light rainfall. Gujrat recorded the highest rainfall at 11.6 millimetress, followed by Mangla with 5.8 and Sialkot Airport with 3.8 millimeters. Light showers were also reported in Murree, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Bahawalpur. Despite these scattered showers, most districts in the province remained hot and dry. Temperatures continued to soar, with Bahawalnagar recording the highest maximum temperature in Punjab at 49 degrees Celsius, while Murree remained the coolest at 17 degrees.

The forecast comes as the country begins to see a slight break in the prevailing heatwave. According to the PMD, moist air from the Arabian Sea is interacting with the incoming westerly system, creating conditions for intermittent dust storms and thunderstorms. These weather patterns are expected to affect not only Punjab and Kashmir, but also parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northern Balochistan, continuing through June 16.

The authorities have been urged to remain alert as strong winds and thunderstorms could damage trees, power lines, solar panels, and other exposed infrastructure.

The public, especially farmers, tourists, and travelers, were advised to take precautionary measures and plan activities with changing weather conditions in mind.

The Meteorological Department said the ongoing heatwave is likely to subside during this period, offering much-needed respite to residents across the region.

Dengue risk

Talking to the participants of an awareness walk at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) about the prevention of dengue virus, Ameerud Din Medical College Principal Professor Farooq Afzal said dengue fever is a medical as well as a social problem and citizens should keep their homes and surrounding environment clean and dry to protect themselves.

He asserted that women associated with the health and education sectors should spread awareness about the prevention of dengue virus as well as other diseases.