Heavy Rain Hits Islamabad, Rawalpindi as NDMA Warns of More Showers

Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds swept across Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Tuesday morning, bringing a noticeable change in weather conditions as a wider spell of rainfall affected several parts of Pakistan. The downpour was reported across numerous neighbourhoods of the twin cities, while authorities continued monitoring water levels and rainfall totals amid warnings of further heavy showers.

In Rawalpindi, significant rainfall was recorded along Murree Road, Sadiqabad, Raja Bazaar and surrounding areas. Shamsabad, Kutchery, New Katarian, Chaklala and Pirwadhai also received rain, affecting movement across some of the city's busiest residential and commercial zones. The widespread showers followed forecasts for unsettled weather across northern and central parts of the country.

Meteorological data showed that Rawalpindi had received around 30 millimetres of rain. Separate measurements included 6mm at Saidpur, 18mm at Golra, 15mm at Bokra and 8mm at a meteorological monitoring station. Shamsabad recorded 18mm, Pirwadhai 16mm, Katarian 13mm and Kutchery 3mm, reflecting varying intensity across the urban area.

Attention also turned to Nullah Lai, the major storm-water channel running through Rawalpindi. The water level at Katarian was recorded at about five and a half feet during the rainfall. The channel is closely watched during heavy monsoon spells because rapid increases in runoff can raise flooding concerns in nearby low-lying neighbourhoods.

The weather system was not limited to the federal capital region. Heavy rain was also reported in several parts of Karachi, while Hyderabad and other areas of Sindh received showers. Peshawar experienced heavy rainfall as well, extending the wet spell across multiple provinces and making the developing weather pattern a nationwide concern.

The National Disaster Management Authority has forecast additional heavy rainfall in different parts of the country and issued an alert extending until September 17. Several districts of Punjab and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are among the areas expected to experience further intense showers during the period.

The forecast has raised concerns about water accumulation in low-lying urban locations and possible flooding in rivers, streams and seasonal waterways. Heavy rain can also create pressure on drainage systems and disrupt road traffic, particularly in densely populated areas where runoff builds rapidly during short but intense spells.

Weather conditions will remain closely monitored as the rainfall system continues. The immediate focus is expected to remain on drainage, water levels and vulnerable locations in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other affected cities, while emergency and municipal departments stay alert for further rainfall through September 17.