Islamabad – May 1, 2025: A powerful thunderstorm swept through Islamabad on Thursday, bringing heavy rain and gusty winds that offered much-needed relief from the recent heatwave.
The sudden shift in weather dramatically cooled temperatures in the capital and marked the arrival of a broader weather system predicted to affect large parts of Pakistan.
The downpour, coupled with strong winds, darkened skies over Islamabad during midday, creating conditions that resembled night.
The intense storm brought life in the twin cities to a standstill for several hours.
Read More: Rain and hailstorm expected in Northern and Central Pakistan from May 1–4
In Rawalpindi, dust storms and high-velocity winds led to poor visibility, causing traffic jams and disrupting business activities.
Several commercial areas, restaurants, and hotels were forced to close temporarily due to safety concerns, while scattered rain and wind gusts were reported throughout the city.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted widespread rainfall in the coming days, suggesting an end to the intense heat that had gripped both urban and rural areas.
The weather office expects intermittent showers and hailstorms in various parts of the country, particularly in the north.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and possible hail are forecast in regions including Chitral, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Peshawar.
Read More: Renewables First Joins Forces with New Energy Nexus to Boost Climate Tech
Dust storms and thunder are also likely in southern districts such as Bannu, Karak, and Kohat.
Punjab is expected to experience rain in cities such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot, while more scattered showers are anticipated in Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum.
Conditions may bring hail in several areas.
Rainfall is also forecast across Sindh, particularly in Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana. Meanwhile, parts of Balochistan including Quetta, Zhob, and Khuzdar are likely to see evening or night showers.
On Tuesday, temperatures in many cities remained above 40°C, with Peshawar hitting 39°C and Dera Ismail Khan reaching 43°C. However, the current rain spell is expected to ease the heat in most regions.
