Widespread rains drench Pakistan as monsoon arrives in full force

Pakistan has stepped into the monsoon season as heavy to moderate rains accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms lash various regions across the country, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Friday.

According to the Meteorological Department, intermittent showers are expected to persist in Karachi and interior Sindh until Sunday.

Weather Alert:

The Met Office has warned of light to moderate rainfall, strong winds, and potential thunderstorms in key regions of Balochistan, including Khuzdar, Bela, and Lasbela, as well as across interior Sindh, in the next one to four hours.

Districts like Hyderabad, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Sanghar, Umerkot, and Tharparkar have also been put on alert. Authorities have advised residents to adopt precautionary measures amid unstable weather.

Low temperature in Islamabad:

Islamabad, too, saw a drop in temperature following yesterday’s rain, with the morning mercury at 28°C and a projected high of 34°C by afternoon. The skies are expected to remain partly cloudy, with chances of localised rain throughout the day. Officials noted that current temperatures are 7 to 8 degrees Celsius lower than the usual seasonal average.

Rain in Karachi:

In Karachi, the first wave of monsoon showers began with intense lightning and loud thunder, soaking multiple parts of the city. Rainfall ranging from 10 to 20 millimetres was recorded in northern zones, while the temperature settled around 30°C.

However, the port city experienced a major power crisis as over 350 electricity feeders tripped during the storm, plunging several neighbourhoods into darkness.

Widespread rain in Punjab:

Punjab is also bracing for widespread rain, with forecasts covering a broad spectrum of cities including Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan. Other districts such as Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Bhakkar, and Bahawalpur are also expected to witness rainfall. The rain was recorded at 25.5 ml in Lahore.

KP Alert:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on alert as well, with regions like Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Battagram, Peshawar, and Abbottabad among those likely to be hit by moderate rains and thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, the northern regions of Pakistan are experiencing an influx of tourists, drawn by the scenic beauty and the cool monsoon breeze. One such destination, Shin Kass Dog Dara in Upper Dir, has become increasingly popular despite lacking basic infrastructure and proper roads. The picturesque landscape is drawing attention but remains hindered by developmental challenges.

Reporters: Rimsha Ismail, Hashir Ahsan, Afshaan Rizwan, and Zubair Rashid