Heavy rain, gusty winds lash Islamabad, Rawalpindi in first major monsoon spell

A heavy spell of rain, accompanied by gusty winds, lashed Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reporting over 65mm of rainfall and warning of further showers later in the week.

The downpour began early in the morning and continued intermittently throughout the day, providing relief from intense heat and humidity that had gripped the region.

According to PMD data, the twin cities received more than 65mm of rain. In Rawalpindi, Bokra recorded 64mm, Pir Wadhai 50mm, and Shamsabad 54mm. In Islamabad’s Saidpur area, 52mm was reported.

In response, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) declared a rain emergency in Rawalpindi, mobilising field teams and machinery to low-lying and flood-prone areas to manage potential water accumulation and urban flooding.

WASA reported that the water level in Nullah Lai rose to 10 feet at Katarian and reached 9 feet at Gawalmandi.

The PMD has advised residents and authorities to remain alert, as more rain is expected in Rawalpindi during the current week.

Elsewhere, heavy rainfall with strong winds was also observed in Kotli and nearby areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Punjab’s Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said the monsoon season has officially begun, with the first spell expected to last until July 1.

The PDMA stated that rainfall accompanied by strong winds is likely in several northern and central districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Gujarat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala. Southern districts such as Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur are also forecast to receive showers.