RAWALPINDI: Heavy rain lashed the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Saturday evening, bringing a much-needed respite from the heatwave.

Last week, mercury had remained above 40 degrees Celsius with maximum 42 degrees recorded on Wednesday (June 21) and Thursday (June 22). The rain brought the temperature down from 41 degrees Celsius on Saturday afternoon to 28 degrees. The wind speed was recorded at 22 knots (44km per hour) in the twin cities.

The Meteorological Department recorded 23mm rain in Shamsabad, 3mm in Chaklala and 7mm in Zero Point, Islamabad. There was no rain in Saidpur, Golra, Bokra and Islamabad International Airport.

The rain started at 6:30pm and continued till 7:30pm. However, the short spell of rain exposed the improper drainage system in the garrison city where the sewers in downtown and areas adjacent to Leh Nullah were choked with rainwater accumulating in the streets.

“It is a blessing as we were suffering from heatwave for the last one week. We are enjoying the rain that turned the weather pleasant and ended the water shortage,” said Fareed Raja, a resident of Tench Bhatta.

After the rain, electricity vanished from many parts of the garrison city especially localities around old Airport.

“It has become a routine that as soon as there is rain and strong winds, electricity goes off. We failed to enjoy the rain after week-long heatwave,” Mohammad Zafar, a resident of Faisal Colony, said.

Nazir Raja, of Arya Mohallah, said electricity loadshedding coupled with water shortage had made the lives of residents miserable.

Mohammad Saleem, a resident of Sadiqabad, said there was no electricity in the area since Friday night and Iesco failed to restore the supply till afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Met Office forecast more rains and cool winds sweeping northern parts of the country in coming week till Eidul Azha.

According to a Met Office official, a seasonal low lies over northeast Balochistan. Moist currents from Arabian Sea are penetrating into upper and central parts of the country and a westerly wave was also likely to enter upper parts of the country on June 25.

The official said very hot and humid weather was expected in most plain areas.

“Dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in upper/central Punjab, Islamabad, Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north/east Balochistan and Kashmir,” he said.

He said pre-monsoon rains with dust/thunderstorm were predicted in upper and central parts of the country from June 25 to 30 with occasional gaps.

He said moist currents were penetrating into the upper and central parts of the country from Arabian Sea and a westerly wave was likely to enter the upper parts of the country on June 25.

According to a Met Office advisory, heavy rains in coming days may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala and Lahore on June 26 and 27, and may trigger landslides in Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It stated that heavy rains may cause flash flooding in DG Khan and adjoining areas of north-east Balochistan on June 27.

The advisory asked travelers and tourists to remain cautious to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period while farmers should manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast.

When contacted, Wasa Managing Director Mohammad Tanveer said that there was a dire need of more rains to end water shortage.

“Though there is water available in Rawal Dam for the next two months, the water level will increase if rains occurred as per the predictions of Met Office.”

He said work on Leh Nullah cleanliness had been completed to avoid flooding in the monsoon. Wasa removed all hurdles from the nullah and there would be no problems for the smooth flow of rainwater.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2023