ISLAMABAD: Rainfall in Islamabad and several upper parts of Pakistan has brought a noticeable drop in temperatures, providing relief from the recent heatwave, while weather authorities forecast mainly hot and dry conditions across much of the country over the next 24 hours.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said Islamabad and surrounding areas are likely to experience partly cloudy skies, with isolated rain, thunderstorms and strong winds. Temperatures in the capital are expected to range between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius.
In Punjab, most districts will remain hot and dry. However, rain and windstorms are expected during the evening or night in Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Attock, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal and Faisalabad. Parts of southern Punjab, including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, may also receive thunderstorms and rain.
Most areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to remain hot and dry, although rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Swat, Kalam, Kohistan, Battagram, Abbottabad, Malakand, Waziristan and nearby regions.
Sindh is likely to continue experiencing intense heat, with very hot and dry weather expected across most districts. Isolated rain and thunderstorms may occur in Dadu, Larkana and some southeastern areas. Karachi is expected to remain partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from 35 to 37 degrees Celsius.
In Balochistan, hot and dry conditions will prevail in most districts, while southern areas are expected to remain under severe heat. However, parts of Nasirabad, Kohlu, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Loralai and Khuzdar may receive rain and thunderstorms.
The PMD also forecast scattered rain and thunderstorms in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which could further improve weather conditions in the region.
Meteorologists said recent rainfall has temporarily broken the spell of intense heat in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and upper Punjab. However, heatwave conditions are likely to persist across Sindh, southern Punjab and the plains of Balochistan.
