Pakistan is experiencing a sharp change in weather as rain, thunderstorms and strong cold winds sweep several parts of the country, bringing relief from the recent heat and creating winter-like conditions in many areas.
Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have received rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning. The sudden weather shift has brought a noticeable drop in temperatures, while low-lying areas have experienced water accumulation and several electricity feeders have reportedly tripped.
The change has been particularly noticeable across central and southern Punjab, where temperatures fell considerably after rainfall ended a prolonged spell of hot weather.
Rain spreads across Punjab and KP
Rainfall has been reported from Sialkot to Jhelum and Toba Tek Singh, while cold winds have intensified in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.
Several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also received rain, including Mansehra, Kaghan Valley and Siran Valley. The weather has brought a marked change to mountainous areas, where cooler temperatures and strong winds have added to the chill.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall is expected to continue in Haripur until Tuesday evening.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has also forecast isolated rain and thunderstorms in parts of upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir through September 29 as a westerly weather system affects the upper parts of the country.
Torrential rain hits Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Islamabad and Rawalpindi experienced a major weather shift after overnight clouds produced heavy rainfall during the early hours of the morning.
Thunder and lightning accompanied the downpour, followed by strong cold winds that quickly replaced the warmer conditions.
Around 22 millimetres of rain was recorded in the twin cities. Saidpur received 30mm, while Shamsabad and Gwalmandi recorded 26mm each.
Pirwadhai received 25mm, while the Meteorological Department station recorded 22mm. Golra received 20mm, Katchehry 14mm and Katarian 4mm.
The rainfall provided relief from the recent heat but also created concerns in low-lying areas because of increased water levels in local drainage channels.
Nullah Leh water level rises
Rainfall in the catchment areas also caused the water level in Nullah Leh to rise in Rawalpindi.
The water level reportedly reached 10 feet at Katarian and 9.5 feet at Gwalmandi following the heavy rainfall.
Residents and authorities in vulnerable areas remained alert as continued rain could further increase water levels and create localised flooding.
The latest flood monitoring information indicates that flows at reporting points remained within normal levels, although authorities continue to monitor weather and rainfall developments.
Roof collapse kills woman in Toba Tek Singh
The changing weather also resulted in a tragic incident in Toba Tek Singh, where the roof of a house collapsed during the rainfall.
A woman was killed in the incident, while three other people were injured.
The incident highlights the risks associated with heavy rainfall, particularly for residents living in older or structurally weakened buildings.
Authorities and residents are generally advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and heavy rain, particularly in areas where drainage systems are vulnerable or buildings may have structural weaknesses.
Cold winds intensify across several regions
Following the rainfall, cold winds continued across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The combination of rain, thunderstorms and strong winds has produced noticeably cooler conditions compared with the recent hot spell.
The weather has been welcomed by many residents, particularly in areas that had experienced prolonged heat. The rainfall has also helped clear dust from roads and improved visibility and air conditions in several areas.
However, the sudden weather change has also created difficulties for commuters and residents in areas affected by water accumulation, electricity disruptions and damaged structures.
Islamabad residents welcome weather change
The early morning rain gave Islamabad a noticeably different appearance, washing away dust that had accumulated during the recent dry and hot period.
Many residents welcomed the cooler conditions after weeks of warmer weather. The cloudy skies, rainfall and cold winds have provided an early winter-like feel to the federal capital.
Similar conditions have been reported in neighbouring Rawalpindi and parts of northern Punjab.
However, the current spell should not necessarily be viewed as the beginning of sustained winter across the entire country. Weather conditions remain varied, with warmer temperatures continuing in several southern parts of Punjab and Sindh.
Weather expected to remain changeable
The latest weather system is expected to continue affecting upper parts of Pakistan for a limited period, with rain and thunderstorms possible in Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and adjoining areas.
Residents in low-lying areas are being advised to remain alert during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly around drainage channels and nullahs.
For now, the weather shift has provided widespread relief from the recent heat, while also creating challenges in areas affected by heavy rain, rising water levels and strong winds.
With temperatures falling sharply in northern and central regions, many parts of Pakistan are experiencing conditions that feel more like an early winter spell than the usual late-September weather.
