Islamabad, Pakistan Weather: Rain expected over next two days

Rain accompanied by strong winds is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several other regions of Pakistan from Wednesday night through the next two days, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The Met Office has also warned of isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms during the forecast period. It said a westerly weather system is affecting the upper and central parts of the country, while moisture from the Arabian Sea is moving into central and southern regions. A seasonal low-pressure area remains active over western Balochistan and nearby areas. Under these weather conditions, rain, windstorms, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Sindh, and northern and northeastern Balochistan. Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated locations in northeastern Balochistan and southern Punjab. The PMD cautioned that strong winds, hail and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards. Maximum temperatures in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are forecast to range between 35°C and 37°C on Thursday and Friday. During the past 24 hours, scattered rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds were recorded in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, southern Punjab and northeastern Balochistan. Rainfall totals included 38mm in Malam Jabba, 24mm in Dir, 20mm in Parachinar, 17mm in Zhob and 8mm at Muzaffarabad Airport. Islamabad recorded a maximum temperature of 37°C with evening humidity at 41 per cent, while Rawalpindi also reached 37°C, with humidity measured at 34 per cent in the evening. Pakistan braces for week-long widespread rains from June 16