According to the advisory, rain-windstorms and thunderstorms are expected in multiple districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Faisalabad, Jhang, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Khushab, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Kot Addu and Mandi Bahauddin.
Authorities also forecast rainfall in Lahore, Sialkot and Narowal as unstable weather conditions continue to affect central and northern parts of the province.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said all commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab had been placed on alert to respond promptly to any emergency situation arising from the adverse weather. He added that the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) in Lahore had directed its operational staff to remain in the field to address potential urban flooding and rain-related disruptions.
Residents have been advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open spaces during lightning activity and exercise caution during periods of strong winds and dust storms. The PDMA also urged farmers to plan agricultural activities according to weather forecasts, while tourists travelling to northern regions were advised to remain vigilant due to rapidly changing weather conditions.
The warning comes after widespread rainfall was recorded across Punjab during the previous 24 hours. Joharabad received the highest rainfall at 72 millimetres, followed by Hafizabad with 44mm and Noorpur Thal with 43mm. Kasur and Sheikhupura recorded 22mm each, while Gujranwala received 16mm. Sargodha recorded 13mm, Jhang 12mm, Attock 11mm, Bhakkar 8mm, Chakwal 7mm and Okara 5mm.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said a seasonal low-pressure system persists over north Balochistan and adjoining areas, while a westerly wave continues to influence the upper regions of the country. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also penetrating central and upper Pakistan, contributing to the unstable weather pattern.
While most parts of the country are expected to experience hot and dry conditions over the weekend, isolated rain-windstorms and thunderstorms are likely in Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas on Saturday and Sunday.
In a separate advisory for tourists, the PMD warned that heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are expected on Sunday in popular tourist destinations, including Murree, Galliyat, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Swat, Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Kaghan Valley, Naran, Kalam, Chitral and Dir.
The Met Office further stated that intermittent rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue from Monday through Thursday in hill stations such as Kaghan, Naran and Kalam, which may disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.
In contrast, weather conditions are expected to remain dry and stable in Ziarat and surrounding areas, making it a comparatively safer destination for tourists during the coming days.
In Lahore, the weather remained partly cloudy on Saturday with occasional sunshine and a possibility of rain later in the day. The city s temperature was recorded at 27°C, with the maximum expected to reach around 33°C. Humidity stood at 64%, while winds were recorded at 11 kilometres per hour.
