Over the past twenty-four hours, heavy and scattered rainfall continued to affect various regions of Punjab, according to a statement released on Saturday by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Authorities highlighted that the hill station of Murree experienced the highest recorded precipitation in the province, with 48 millimeters of rainfall, underscoring the intensity of the ongoing weather activity.
In southern and western districts, rainfall was reported at different levels. In the Dera Ghazi Khan region, Fort Munro recorded 40 millimeters, while Vehova observed lighter showers totaling 11 millimeters. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi district witnessed substantial rainfall, with Shamsabad receiving 40 millimeters, Chaklala 35 millimeters, and Kattarian 31 millimeters. Attock also experienced 35 millimeters, Faisalabad 33 millimeters, and Sargodha city 25 millimeters, indicating a widespread distribution of rainfall across central Punjab.
Several other areas reported moderate rainfall as well. Gujrat recorded 24 millimeters, while both Mangla and Joharabad each received 22 millimeters. Chakwal recorded 21 millimeters. The provincial capital Lahore experienced lighter showers, with the airport area receiving 8 millimeters and the city itself recording only 3 millimeters. Even the southern districts, including Multan, Bahawalpur, and Layyah, reported periods of light to heavy rainfall, highlighting the persistence of unsettled weather across the province.
In response, the Director General of the PDMA instructed all relevant departments to remain on high alert. Citizens were advised to remain in safe locations during thunderstorms, lightning, and sudden downpours to avoid accidents and property damage. The PDMA stressed vigilance as essential, particularly in areas prone to flooding or infrastructure vulnerability.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a forecast warning for Karachi, signaling the approach of a westerly weather system likely to enter Balochistan beginning April 5. The PMD indicated that under the influence of this system, several districts of Sindh, including Karachi, could expect rainfall on April 6. Areas such as Sukkur, Kashmore, and Ghotki are expected to experience wind-thunderstorms, moderate to locally heavy rainfall, and isolated hailstorms.
Additional districts in Sindh, including Jamshoro, Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Matiari, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal, are likely to experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms. Strong winds, lightning strikes, and hail were highlighted as potential hazards capable of damaging vulnerable structures, prompting early cautionary measures.
The recent weather activity has also produced rare and potentially hazardous phenomena. A tornadic waterspout was observed in the city during rainfall a day prior. These waterspouts form as a rapidly rotating column of air extending from clouds to the water surface, appearing as a visible funnel linking the sky and sea. Meteorologists note that tornadic waterspouts are significantly more powerful than regular waterspouts, forming under conditions similar to tornadoes. Such occurrences pose a serious hazard to fishing vessels operating at sea, highlighting the importance of monitoring extreme weather events for maritime safety.
The combination of persistent rainfall across Punjab, warnings for Sindh, and rare tornado-like waterspout activity underscores the urgent need for vigilance among citizens and authorities alike. Officials continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness, safe sheltering during thunderstorms, and caution in areas affected by strong winds, heavy rain, or hail. The latest weather patterns reflect both the intensity and unpredictability of current climatic conditions across multiple provinces.