The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather advisory for Punjab, warning of rain, dust, and thunderstorms across the province through Saturday. The system is expected to bring a reprieve from the recent heat but carries the risk of urban flooding and structural damage in vulnerable areas.
The forecast covers a broad sweep of the province, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad. While the precipitation is expected to lower temperatures, the PDMA has flagged potential hazards, including lightning strikes and wind gusts that could damage billboards and temporary structures.
“We are monitoring the system closely,” a PDMA spokesperson said. The authority has directed district administrations to remain on high alert, ensuring that emergency machinery—particularly for water drainage in urban centers—is fully operational.
For residents in Rawalpindi and other hilly regions, the risk of flash flooding remains a primary concern. The meteorological department expects the current pattern to persist for at least the next 48 hours. Commuters have been advised to exercise caution on highways, where sudden dust storms can reduce visibility to near-zero levels.
This shift in weather follows an extended period of dry, humid conditions that had pushed power demand to record highs across the province. While the incoming rain will likely ease the strain on the energy grid, it brings the seasonal challenge of managing drainage in cities where infrastructure is often overwhelmed by rapid downpours.
District authorities have been instructed to clear storm drains and ensure that emergency response teams are positioned in low-lying areas. With the weekend approaching, the PDMA’s directive remains clear: stay indoors during the peak of the storms and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
