ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted widespread rain, wind, and thunderstorms across various parts of the country on Friday, with alerts for possible flash flooding in vulnerable districts.
Rain is expected in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeastern Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, while Islamabad has a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Other regions, especially Sindh and southern Balochistan, are likely to experience hot and humid conditions.
The weather department has warned that heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods in streams and low-lying areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Kohat, Karak, Hangu, and Tank.
Similar risks are present in Dera Ghazi Khan, South Punjab, Murree, Galliyat, and parts of Kashmir.
“Citizens are advised to take precautionary measures as windstorms, lightning, and heavy downpours may damage vulnerable structures such as kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, solar panels, and parked vehicles,” said the PMD.
Over the past 24 hours, significant rainfall was recorded in many areas. Bannu received the most with 38 millimetres, followed by 35 millimetres in Layyah, 29 millimetres in Bahawalnagar, and up to 19 millimetres in Bahawalpur.
Despite the rainfall, extreme heat was still reported in some places. Nokkundi recorded the highest temperature at 45 degrees Celsius, followed by 44 degrees Celsius in Dalbandin, 43 degrees Celsius in Panjgur, and 42 degrees Celsius in Sibi.
Officials have advised people, especially those in flood-prone areas, to stay alert and avoid unnecessary movement during heavy rains. Emergency services and local authorities have been placed on standby to respond to any emergencies.