The downpour inundated roads in many parts of Lahore, slowing traffic and creating difficulties for commuters as water accumulated in low-lying areas
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 22nd, 2026) The torrential monsoon rains swept across Lahore and several districts of Punjab on Wednesday, causing widespread urban flooding, severe traffic congestion and electricity outages while bringing relief from the recent spell of hot and humid weather.
The downpour inundated roads in many parts of Lahore, slowing traffic and creating difficulties for commuters as water accumulated in low-lying areas. Power disruptions were also reported in several localities following the heavy rain.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms on Wednesday evening and night, with wet weather expected to persist across much of Punjab over the next two days.
According to the PMD, moisture-bearing monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are continuing to penetrate the upper regions of Pakistan, while a westerly weather system is also influencing the country's upper and central areas.
The department expects widespread rainfall in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Faisalabad, Khushab, Sargodha, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Okara, Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur.
The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan. It also cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable parts of Murree and Galyat, while flash floods remain possible in local streams, hill torrents and seasonal nullahs, particularly in northeastern Punjab and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Authorities have also warned that strong winds, lightning and heavy rain could damage weak structures, electricity poles, roadside billboards and solar panel installations.
During the past 24 hours, several districts recorded significant rainfall. Gujranwala received the highest rainfall at 142 millimetres, followed by Mandi Bahauddin (138mm) and Narowal (117mm). Other notable rainfall totals included Sialkot Airport (95mm), Hafizabad (85mm), Chakwal (70mm), Okara (64mm) and Lahore City (18mm).
The maximum temperature recorded in Lahore was 29°C, while morning humidity reached 81 per cent. The PMD expects daytime temperatures in the provincial capital to remain between 26°C and 28°C on Thursday and Friday as the rainy spell continues.
