City cools off as rain breaks heat spell

Air pollution level drops, rivers likely to swell amid more rain forecasts

LAHORE:

Intermittent rainfall drenched the provincial capital on Monday, breaking the spell of heat and humidity and bringing temporary relief to residents.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), more widespread showers are expected in most parts of Punjab over the next 24 hours, which could lead to rising water levels in the Indus and Jhelum rivers.

The showers, accompanied by cool breeze, transformed Lahore's weather into a pleasant autumn scene. Light to moderate rain was reported across the city, including Mall Road, Abbott Road, Garhi Shahu, Lakshmi Chowk, Davis Road, Canal Road, Jail Road, Model Town, Johar Town, Township and Green Town. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the wet spell is expected to continue intermittently on.Tuesday.

The heaviest rainfall was recorded at Upper Mall at 33 millimetres, followed by Mughalpura (32mm), Samanabad and Iqbal Town (30mm), Farrukhabad (27mm), and Johar Town (24mm). Other notable readings included Tajpura (23mm), Gulshan-e-Ravi (20mm), Pani Wala Talab (17mm), Nishtar Town (15mm), and Jail Road (14mm). Gulberg received 12mm, Lakshmi Chowk 18mm, Qartaba Chowk 6mm, Chowk Nakhuda 5mm, and the airport 2mm.

While the rain lowered temperatures and cleared much of the smog that had blanketed the city in recent days, it also led to waterlogging in low-lying neighbourhoods and power outages in several areas due to tripped feeders.

The PDMA reported that districts across Punjab received significant rainfall during the past 24 hours, with Multan recording 113mm, Faisalabad 78mm, Bahawalpur 44mm, and Khanewal 28mm. Toba Tek Singh saw 25mm, Sialkot 19mm, Jhelum 18mm, and Attock 10mm of rainfall.

The authority noted that the flow in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers depends on water releases from India, warning that increased inflows could raise river levels in the coming days.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said two people were killed and 14 others injured in rain-related incidents across the province in the past 24 hours.

At least 10 structures suffered damage, while Rescue 1122 teams responded to several emergencies. Including a traffic collision on Sangla Hill Road that left three people injured.

Authorities have instructed all district administrations to remain on alert, citing the risk of localised flooding in areas adjoining rivers and streams. Heavy earth-moving machinery has been pre-positioned at vulnerable points to manage potential breaches and to ensure swift restoration of roads if needed.

The PDMA has also warned that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may damage weak structures such as rooftops of mud houses, electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Citizens have been urged to exercise caution and stay indoors during severe weather conditions.

The PMD said that a cyclonic storm, Shakti, over the northwest Arabian Sea continues to influence weather systems across Pakistan. A westerly wave is affecting the upper and central regions, while moist currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating the atmosphere.

Rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, with isolated heavy rain or hailstorms in some areas.

Meanwhile, Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) temporarily improved to 60, classified as "moderate," following the rain. The city's main pollutant, PM2.5, dropped to 14 micrograms per cubic metre, providing respite from persistent smog.

Officials said continued rainfall could further improve air quality, though they urged residents to follow safety advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until the weather conditions stabilise.