Heavy Rains Expected in Next Couple of Days in Pakistan

Rains, windstorms, or thunderstorms are expected in several regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Kashmir, and the Potohar region from 9 May to 16 May 2025. The PMD has advised residents to stay updated and take precautions, especially in areas prone to urban flooding or landslides.

Region-Wise Breakdown

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)

• Forecast: Light to heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in districts like Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, and Kohat from May 9 to 16.
• Intensity: Rainfall is likely to be scattered, with 5–15 mm of rain in some areas. Heavy showers (20–30 mm) are possible in hilly areas like Swat and Dir.
• Impact: There’s a risk of landslides in mountainous areas, especially if heavy rain occurs. The PMD has warned of potential disruptions on roads like the Karakoram Highway.

Punjab

• Forecast: Isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected from May 9 to 16 in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Multan, particularly in the Potohar region (Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal).
• Intensity: Rainfall may range from 5–15 mm in urban areas, with up to 20 mm in northern Punjab. The rain is expected to be brief but could include gusty winds.
• Impact: Urban flooding is a concern in low-lying areas of Lahore and Rawalpindi, where drainage systems are often strained. Farmers in Punjab may benefit from light rain, as it could aid crops like wheat and maize.

Sindh

• Forecast: Southeastern Sindh, including Karachi, Thatta, and Badin, is likely to see heavy rain with gusty winds from May 9 to 16. Other parts of Sindh, like Hyderabad and Sukkur, may experience light showers or cloudy skies.
• Intensity: Southeastern areas could receive 20–40 mm of rain, with some spots seeing up to 50 mm during intense bursts. Karachi may get 10–20 mm of rain, mostly on May 8.
• Impact: Heavy rain in southeastern Sindh raises concerns about urban flooding, especially in Karachi, where poor drainage is a recurring issue. Coastal areas may also face rough sea conditions due to gusty winds.

Balochistan

• Forecast: Scattered rain and windstorms are expected in northern and western Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, and Chaman, from May 9 to 16.
• Intensity: Rainfall is likely to be light (5–10 mm), with isolated heavier showers (15–20 mm) in hilly areas.
• Impact: Flash flooding is possible in dry riverbeds (wadis), and dust storms may reduce visibility in open areas. Pastoral communities may benefit from rain, as it supports grazing lands.

Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Kashmir

• Forecast: Light to moderate rain, along with snowfall in higher altitudes, is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Muzaffarabad, and other areas from May 9 to 16.
• Intensity: Rainfall may range from 10–20 mm, with snowfall accumulation of 5–10 cm in areas above 3,000 meters.
• Impact: Snowfall could disrupt travel on high-altitude roads, while rain may cause minor landslides in Kashmir. Tourists are advised to check weather updates before traveling.

Why Is Rain Expected?

The current weather is driven by:

• Westerly Waves: A shallow westerly wave is bringing moisture from the Arabian Sea and Central Asia, triggering rain in northern and western Pakistan.
• Pre-Monsoon Activity: May marks the start of pre-monsoon showers in Pakistan, which are typically scattered but can be intense in coastal and hilly areas.
• Local Heating: High daytime temperatures in Sindh and Punjab are creating convective activity, leading to thunderstorms and rain.