Rain, gusty winds bring relief from heatwave in Lahore, Punjab

Gusty winds and rain swept through Lahore and several parts of Punjab on Thursday evening, bringing welcome relief from the ongoing heatwave by lowering temperatures. Meteorologists have forecast further rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms over the next few days, with the possibility of isolated heavy downpours and hail in some areas. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a seasonal low-pressure area is currently positioned over northern Balochistan and nearby regions, while a high-pressure system persists in the upper atmosphere. Officials further noted that a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of the country from tomorrow, alongside moist air currents from the Arabian Sea likely moving into northeastern areas. Under these weather conditions, rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galyat region, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Noor Pur Thal, Layyah, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Bahawalnagar, and Dera Ghazi Khan during Thursday night and over the next two days. Some areas may also experience heavy rainfall and hailstorms. For Lahore, temperatures are expected to stay between 39°C and 41°C on Friday, dropping to 36°C to 38°C on Saturday. Meanwhile, most parts of Punjab continued to endure intense heat over the past 24 hours. Dera Ghazi Khan and Sargodha recorded the highest temperatures in the province at 45°C, while Lahore reached a maximum of 43°C. Evening relative humidity in the city was recorded at 36 per cent. Rain alert issued as Lahore, Punjab districts brace for wet spell