Islamabad, May 1, 2025: A powerful thunderstorm accompanied by torrential rain swept through Islamabad on Thursday evening, breaking the city’s prolonged heatwave and bringing much-needed relief to residents. The downpour, paired with strong gusty winds, plunged the city into an eerie midday darkness, transforming the skyline under thick, ominous clouds.
The neighboring city of Rawalpindi also endured severe weather, with dust storms and high-velocity winds disrupting normal life. Visibility dropped sharply, leading to traffic congestion on major roads. Many commercial establishments, including business centers, hotels, and restaurants, were forced to temporarily close due to the intense weather conditions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a major shift in weather patterns, with nationwide rainfall expected over the coming days. This development is likely to bring an end to the extreme heatwave that had gripped both urban and rural areas across the country.
In Islamabad and adjoining areas, partly cloudy skies are expected to continue, with heavy rain and hailstorms predicted at scattered locations.
Widespread rainfall is forecast for districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Waziristan, Kohat, Hangu, Lucky Marwat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Kurram, Dera Ismail Khan, and Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rain and hailstorms are expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Lahore, Narowal, Sahiwal, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Bahawalpur in Punjab.
In Sindh, thunderstorms and rain are likely in Sukkur, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Khairpur.
Rain is expected during evening or night in Quetta, Ziarat, Zhob, Musa Khel, Chaman, Mastung, Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah, Loralai, Barkhan, Sibi, Khuzdar, Chagai, and Nushki in Balochistan.
Earlier this week, temperatures soared to dangerous levels across the country, with Peshawar hitting 39°C, Dera Ismail Khan 43°C, Bannu 42°C, and Mardan and Takht Bhai at 39°C. In the northern highlands, Kalam reached 30°C, Malam Jabba 27°C, and Chitral and Dir hovered around 34–35°C.
The PMD urges citizens to stay updated with official weather advisories and exercise caution, especially in areas prone to urban flooding, landslides, or hail damage.
