Rain and Gusty Winds Bring Cooler Weather to Rawalpindi and Islamabad
By Sardar Burhan :
Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds swept across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Sunday, bringing a noticeable drop in temperature as authorities forecast more rainfall ahead of Eid al-Fitr.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the rain began in the morning after Sehri and continued intermittently throughout the day. Although sunshine briefly broke through the clouds early in the day, another spell of rain hit the cities during the afternoon.
Rainfall recorded across the capital region
Weather officials recorded varying levels of rainfall in different parts of Islamabad. Saidpur received 24 millimetres of rain, while Golra recorded 9mm, Bokra 15mm and Zero Point 20mm.
In Rawalpindi, Shamsabad received 15mm of rain, Chaklala 14mm, Pirwadhai 15mm, Gawalmandi 13mm and New Kattarian 17mm, according to the department’s data.
Meteorologists said the rainfall was linked to a westerly weather system that entered north-western parts of the country on Sunday and is expected to remain active until Monday afternoon.
More rain expected in coming days
Officials said most parts of the country are likely to experience dry weather overall, but isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab, the Potohar Plateau, as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Hailstorms and strong winds may also occur in isolated areas of upper Punjab and the Potohar region during this period.
Weather officials added that two additional spells of rain are expected in the Potohar region later this month. A stronger system is forecast between 18 and 20 March, while another spell could occur after Eid.
Temperatures in the twin cities have already dropped by around two degrees Celsius, and a slight chill is expected in the coming days.
Waterlogging concerns in Rawalpindi
The rainfall created muddy conditions on several roads in Rawalpindi, where ongoing construction has made some areas particularly vulnerable to water accumulation. Reports of waterlogging also emerged from parts of the city and cantonment areas.
In response, the Water and Sanitation Agency placed its teams on high alert.
Managing Director Azizullah Khan said staff and heavy machinery had been deployed to low-lying areas to ensure quick drainage. Emergency teams were stationed at key locations including Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk Underpass, Murree Road and Sadiqabad.
Authorities said water levels in Leh Nullah remained within normal limits but monitoring was continuing.
Officials also urged residents to avoid standing near drains during heavy rainfall and to refrain from dumping waste into nullahs, warning that blocked waterways could worsen flooding during further downpours.
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