Monsoon rains likely in Punjab as heatwave conditions persist in Balochistan

LAHORE – Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast the onset of monsoon rains in Punjab from Thursday (today) while heatwave conditions are likely to persist in Balochistan. The Met Office predicted that the monsoon system has entered the country and is likely to bring rain to Lahore and several districts of Punjab, including Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Chakwal and Rawalpindi. Cloudy conditions prevailed in Lahore on Thursday morning, accompanied by gusty winds and light drizzle in some areas. The weather department said rainfall activity is expected to intensify during the day under the influence of the monsoon system. In anticipation of the rains, the district administration has placed civic agencies on alert. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), municipal corporations and other departments have been directed to ensure preparedness and take necessary measures to prevent water accumulation in low-lying areas. The minimum temperature in Lahore was recorded at 26 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius. Earlier in the day, the PMD said most districts of Balochistan are likely to remain hot and dry, with severe heat forecast for central parts of the province. Quetta and surrounding areas are expected to experience dry weather with clear skies. However, isolated rain showers are likely in Sherani, Musa Khel, Kohlu, Barkhan and Khuzdar districts. The weather department further reported that Sibbi recorded the highest temperature in Balochistan on the previous day, where the mercury climbed to 47 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists said the contrasting weather patterns highlight the arrival of the monsoon season in the upper parts of the country, while southern and central regions continue to experience intense summer heat. Deadly heatwave grips Western Europe, claims lives, disrupts daily life