The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has shared an updated outlook for the monsoon season, reporting that moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are moving into the northern parts of the country.
Additionally, a westerly system is affecting upper areas, increasing the chances of rain, thunderstorms, and heavy downpours over the next two days.
While most parts of the country were expected to remain hot and humid on Monday, scattered rain with thunder and wind was forecast for Kashmir, upper Punjab, Potohar, Islamabad, and northern and central regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with isolated heavy showers also likely.
A similar weather pattern is predicted for Tuesday, bringing more rain to the aforementioned regions, though heat and humidity will persist in most other areas.
In the last 24 hours, various parts of the country saw patchy rainfall, with heavier showers hitting parts of Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Sindh.
Sheikhupura recorded the highest rainfall at 35mm, followed by Attock at 34mm, and Kakul at 26mm.
Meanwhile, scorching temperatures were recorded in places like Sibbi, Jacobabad, and Chilas, where the mercury soared to 44°C.
Islamabad is forecast to experience partly cloudy and humid conditions, with rain expected Monday night and continuing into Tuesday. Some areas of the capital may see heavier downpours, prompting residents to stay cautious.
In Balochistan, while hot and muggy weather is forecast, isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in Musakhel, Barkhan, Khuzdar, and Lasbela. Overall, high temperatures are expected, with some relief provided by passing showers.
Punjab will largely remain hot and humid, though rainfall is predicted for Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, and nearby regions. Scattered rain in the afternoons could bring a brief respite from the heat.
Sindh will continue to experience dry and sweltering weather, with minimal chances of rain. Most areas are likely to remain under the grip of intense heat.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also see hot and humid weather, but rain and thunderstorms are likely in Dir, Swat, Kohistan, and Malakand. Some areas may experience heavy rainfall during the day.
The PMD has urged the public to stay informed and take safety measures, especially near rivers and other water bodies during the rainy season.
Following a recent tragedy in Swat, officials revealed that although a rescue helicopter was available, it couldn’t be used immediately due to a lack of trained personnel.
As a result, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to launch an air ambulance service across key regions including Swat, Abbottabad, and Dera Ismail Khan.
The new initiative aims to enhance rescue capabilities in hard-to-reach mountainous and flood-prone areas.
The inspection team also cited strong winds at the time as a reason for delays in helicopter use. Meanwhile, efforts to find a missing boy, swept away by the Swat River, have entered the fourth day.
District Emergency Officer Rafiullah Marwat is overseeing the water search operation, with Rescue 1122 teams working at multiple sites.
Authorities are also clearing illegal structures along the riverbank, beginning with the bypass road and set to move toward the Ghat side.
Assistant Deputy Commissioner Hamid Khan confirmed that the anti-encroachment operation will continue until the riverbanks are fully cleared.
Twelve bodies have been recovered so far, while the search for Abdullah, a child from Sialkot, is ongoing. Local divers and rescue teams are active at five different points along the river.
K-P government spokesperson Barrister Saif called the incident a heartbreaking natural disaster and extended condolences to all families affected, especially those visiting from Punjab.
He emphasized that while floods and cloudbursts are beyond human control, the government is committed to rescue efforts.
He also confirmed that some individuals responsible for illegal structures had faced immediate consequences, though legal barriers had delayed action in certain cases.