Rain in Punjab Today: PDMA Issues Alert for Lahore, Rawalpindi Till October 14
Rain and thunderstorms will continue across much of Punjab today and in the coming days, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab issuing a province-wide alert for a spell lasting until October 14. Lahore, Rawalpindi and dozens of other districts are expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, while hilly areas…
Rain and thunderstorms will continue across much of Punjab today and in the coming days, with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab issuing a province-wide alert for a spell lasting until October 14. Lahore, Rawalpindi and dozens of other districts are expected to receive rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms, while hilly areas face a risk of landslides.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) says a westerly weather system is driving the spell, with rain and thunderstorms expected across the country until October 15. Here is what to expect, district by district, and how to stay safe.
PDMA alert: which districts get rain, and when
According to the PDMA’s forecast, a westerly wave entered the country’s upper regions on Saturday, October 10. The authority has named specific days for rain, strong winds and thunderstorms:
Rain expected on October 10, 11, 13 and 14: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal and Mianwali.
Intermittent rain expected on October 10, 11 and 13: Faisalabad, Khushab, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Jhang and Toba Tek Singh.
PDMA Director General Saif Anwar Jappa has directed all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to remain alert, particularly in Murree, Galiyat and other hilly areas, where landslides are possible. The health, irrigation, communications and works, local government and livestock departments have also been placed on standby in line with the Punjab chief minister’s instructions.
PMD’s country-wide forecast until October 15
The national picture, as per the Met Office:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan: intermittent rain and strong winds from October 10 to 15, with possible hailstorms in upper areas
- Balochistan: rain in Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel
- Sindh: mainly hot and dry weather to continue; Karachi expected to stay partly cloudy with highs around 31–33°C
- Northern tourist areas: possible landslides at Murree, Naran, Kalam, Gilgit and Hunza — travellers are advised to avoid unnecessary journeys
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre, has separately warned of rain, wind and possible hail in Lahore and Islamabad during the October 10–15 period.
Why this spell matters
October rain in the plains is not unusual, but this spell carries genuine risks. The Met Office has warned that windstorms, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures — mud houses, electricity poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels. Standing crops in the plains of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa may also suffer damage from hail and strong winds, and farmers have been advised to plan their agricultural activities accordingly.
On the positive side, the rain is expected to bring relief from the heat, with temperatures likely to drop by 2–4°C in the affected areas. Curious about the season ahead? Read our explainer on what winter 2026–27 could look like for Pakistan.
Safety precautions during the spell
PDMA chief Jappa has urged residents to take the following precautions:
- Avoid living in or staying near dilapidated or mud-built houses during strong winds
- Seek shelter in a safe place during storms — avoid open areas to reduce the risk of lightning strikes
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially through hilly and mountainous areas
- Stay clear of electricity poles, billboards and trees during high winds
- Keep an eye on children and elderly family members during thunderstorms
District administrations are on alert, but in a downpour it is your own precautions that matter most — if you see water pooling fast on your street in Lahore or Rawalpindi, do not drive through it.
Frequently asked questions
Will it rain in Lahore today?
Yes. PDMA Punjab has forecast rain with strong winds and thunderstorms in Lahore on October 10, 11, 13 and 14. NDMA has also named Lahore in its rain and hail advisory for October 10–15.
How long will the rain spell last in Punjab?
The current westerly wave is expected to last until October 14 in most Punjab districts, while the PMD’s national forecast extends rain chances until October 15 in KP, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Is there a risk of hailstorms?
Yes — isolated hailstorms are possible, particularly in upper Punjab, KP and northern areas. Hail could damage standing crops and vulnerable structures such as solar panels and mud houses.
Will it rain in Karachi?
No significant rain is expected in Karachi. Sindh is forecast to remain mainly hot and dry, with partly cloudy weather and highs around 31–33°C.
Are landslides a concern?
Yes. PMD has warned of possible landslides at Murree, Naran, Kalam, Gilgit and Hunza. PDMA has asked the administration in Murree and Galiyat to stay on high alert. Avoid unnecessary travel to hilly areas during the spell.
Weather forecasts change quickly — check the PMD’s official forecast at weather.gov.pk before planning travel, and follow TimelyUps for updates if the spell intensifies.
