Thundershowers, strong winds expected in several parts of Pakistan

The Met Department has forecast hot and partly cloudy weather for Islamabad today, with strong winds and thundershowers expected in several dry areas of the country.

The plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are expected to bear the brunt of extreme heat, while multiple regions across Punjab and KP brace for potential rainfall, strong winds, and even hailstorms.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa weather outlook

According to the Met Office, rain accompanied by strong winds is likely in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Mardan. Swabi, Peshawar, Kohat, and Kurram may also experience showers with gusty winds. Hailstorms are possible in isolated locations across the province. 

Rain alert for northern and central Punjab

The weather forecast for parts of Punjab, including Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, and Chakwal, indicates the likelihood of rain and strong winds. The same conditions are expected in Mianwali, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahauddin.

Lahore and surrounding areas like Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, and Sargodha are also under alert for strong winds, while Bhakkar, Khushab, Layyah, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, and Khanewal are expected to receive rain with gusts of wind. Hailstorms are possible in some cities.

Lahore weather and temperature update

In Lahore, the weather is likely to remain hot throughout the day despite a slight drop in temperature following light rainfall yesterday. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 36°C.

Sindh and Balochistan remain scorching

Most districts in Sindh and Balochistan are expected to remain extremely hot and dry. No immediate relief from heat is forecasted for these provinces.

PDMA issues solar panel advisory

Amid changing weather patterns and rising solar panel adoption, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued fresh guidelines for solar panel installation on rooftops of public and private buildings.

As per instructions from the Punjab Energy Department, commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province have been directed to ensure that building owners follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) while installing solar energy systems.

Key guidelines:

• Only certified experts approved by the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) should install solar systems.

• Immediate inspection of solar setups at sensitive buildings such as schools, hospitals, and government offices has been ordered.

• Panels must be securely installed in sealed and structurally sound manners.

• Drainage channels must remain unclogged to prevent water damage.

• Rooftops should be clean and panels should have high impact resistance to withstand hailstorms.

PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia emphasized the need for strict compliance, especially in the face of unpredictable weather, to avoid damage and ensure public safety. Municipal corporations and building authorities have been ordered to strictly implement the guidelines.