The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted thunderstorms with strong winds and rain in various regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, on Friday.
The weather department has warned of intense winds and heavy rain affecting parts of Islamabad, the Potohar region, northeastern and central Punjab, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan. There is also a possibility of hailstorms and heavy downpours in some locations.
Additionally, thunder, rain, and dust storms are expected to hit upper Sindh and northeastern Balochistan during the evening and night hours.
Yesterday, Islamabad was struck by a powerful thunderstorm with heavy rainfall, which brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat.
The storm created an almost nighttime atmosphere, as thick, dark clouds blanketed the sky, and strong winds and rainfall swept through the city.
Rawalpindi also faced extreme weather conditions, with dust storms and high winds significantly reducing visibility, disrupting daily activities, and causing traffic congestion.
Several businesses, hotels, and restaurants temporarily closed due to the storm, and rainfall with strong winds was reported across the city.
The storm also caused widespread power outages in several cities across Punjab on Thursday, with heavy rain and strong winds causing feeder trips.
In Lahore, wind speeds reached up to 100 km/h, followed by rain that led to over 565 power feeders tripping, as reported by power distribution authorities.
Faisalabad saw 150 feeders affected, and Islamabad faced significant power disruptions, although over 80% of the power was restored later.
Other areas impacted by the rain included Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Kamoke, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Wazirabad, with showers also reported in Chakwal, Jhelum, and Bahawalnagar.
In Mianwali, there was intense rain and hail, while in Sargodha, a house wall collapsed due to the storm, tragically killing one person and injuring four children.
Authorities are working to restore services in the affected areas.