Rain, hailstorm lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi

A powerful weather system brought intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Gujranwala, and surrounding regions on Sunday, breaking a days-long heatwave and significantly dropping temperatures.

Cool winds began sweeping through Islamabad by late morning, followed by dense cloud cover that turned day into night around 11 AM. Soon after, torrential rain and hail lashed the capital and nearby areas, offering much-needed relief from the sweltering conditions.

Residents, previously burdened by searing temperatures and humidity, welcomed the sudden shift in weather. “The cool breeze and rain have turned the entire city into a refreshing scene,” one resident said.

Rainfall reached up to 40mm in various parts of the twin cities, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Notable figures included 10mm in Golra, 29mm near the PMD headquarters, 32mm in Shamsabad, and 6mm in the Kutchery area.

In light of the continued severe weather, a rain emergency has been officially imposed in Rawalpindi.

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The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported hail and heavy downpours in several northern areas, including Haripur and Abbottabad, before the storm moved southward towards Islamabad and the twin cities.

Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa issued directives for immediate road clearance, removal of fallen trees, and drainage of water from underpasses and roads.

“Emergency and Disaster Management, along with the Environment Wing, are working to ensure no obstruction remains on city roads,” said Randhawa. “Residents are urged to report emergencies via the CDA helpline or local administration.”

All CDA and sanitation teams have been mobilised for 24/7 field monitoring, especially in low-lying areas and near natural waterways.

The heavy rainfall and strong winds led to temporary power outages in many parts of Rawalpindi, where a rain emergency was formally declared. Multiple 11kV power feeders in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock tripped due to falling trees, hail, and strong gusts, according to IESCO (Islamabad Electric Supply Company).

A spokesperson for IESCO confirmed that restoration efforts were underway: “The storm caused widespread tripping and faults on several feeders. Our teams are actively working to restore supply in affected areas.”

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert, warning of strong thunderstorms and hail expected in several parts of Punjab over the next 2 to 6 hours.

According to the alert, Lahore, Mianwali, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sargodha, and Faisalabad are expected to experience intense rainfall and hailstorms.

Other districts likely to be affected include Narowal, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Multan, Khanewal, and Dera Ghazi Khan, where thunderstorms and hail are also forecast.

In Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar, strong winds, heavy rain, and hail are expected.

The Meteorological Department has advised the public to take precautionary measures, warning that strong winds could uproot trees, disrupt power supply, and pose hazards to public safety.

“Due to strong winds, heavy rain, and hail, there is a risk of damage to weak infrastructure including electric poles, vehicles, trees, and solar panels,” said a PMD official.

Despite the relief in the north, parts of southern Pakistan continued to swelter. Over the past 24 hours, temperatures reached extreme highs, with Sibi recording 51°C, Dadu 50°C, and Mohenjo-daro, Jacobabad, and Shaheed Benazirabad each registering 49°C.

The contrasting conditions highlight the weather extremes gripping Pakistan this week, as authorities continue to advise caution during storms and urge citizens to stay indoors during peak weather activity.