Weatherman forecasts thunderstorms in Punjab

Scorching temperatures continued across Punjab on Sunday, while the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast rain and thunderstorms in several parts of the province between May 19 and 22, offering a possible respite from the ongoing heatwave.

In Lahore and other parts of central Punjab, sunlight kept temperatures elevated throughout the day. The temperature in the provincial capital was expected to rise to around 40 degrees Celsius.

Weather officials said humidity levels in Lahore stood at 41 per cent, with wind blowing at just three kilometres per hour.

The slow wind movement intensified muggy conditions across the city.

No rainfall is expected in Lahore during the next 24 hours. However, meteorologists say conditions may begin to change as a shallow westerly wave is likely to approach the upper parts of the country.

According to the department, most parts of Pakistan are expected to remain hot and dry on Monday, with severe heat likely in southern and central regions. However, isolated rain, dust and thunderstorms may develop during evening and nighttime hours in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas.

Punjab is also expected to experience a shift in weather conditions. Dry and intensely hot weather is likely to persist in most districts during the daytime, particularly in central and southern areas.

Rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunder is expected in Murree, Galliyat and nearby regions later in the day, while similar conditions are forecast in parts of Kashmir.

The advisory comes amid rising temperatures across the country. During the past 24 hours, extremely hot weather persisted in southern districts, with Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad and Mohenjo-daro recording highs of 46 degrees Celsius.