The sun is set to dominate the skies across most of Pakistan on Thursday, leaving vast stretches of the country under hot and dry conditions. From the plains of Sindh to the rugged deserts of Balochistan, the heat is expected to tighten its grip, while only the northern belt may catch a breath of relief from passing clouds, strong winds, and scattered showers.
In the capital, Islamabad, the morning may begin with a veil of partly cloudy skies, giving city residents a hint of cooler air. But the forecast warns that as the day deepens, gusty winds and sudden downpours could sweep through, breaking the monotony of the heat.
Punjab, however, is expected to simmer under the sun. The fields and towns of central and southern districts will remain parched, while in the north, places like Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, and Galiyat might feel the rush of mountain winds and hear the distant rumble of thunder. Even then, the showers will come as fleeting visitors, offering little escape from the relentless warmth that has settled over the province.
Sindh, already burdened by recent floods, will find no mercy from the skies. The interior will stay stubbornly dry and scorching, while the coastal stretches — Karachi, Thatta, and Badin — may see clouds drifting lazily over the horizon, teasing the city but rarely breaking into rain.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the weather paints a more dramatic canvas. The high valleys of Dir, Chitral, and Swat are expected to echo with winds, thunder, and even hailstorms in some corners, a sharp contrast to the quiet heat lingering over other districts. Abbottabad and Peshawar too could see sudden bursts of rain, as if the mountains themselves were sighing with the burden of clouds.
Balochistan will remain austere and dry, its rocky landscapes baking under the sun, though the coastal belt of Gwadar and Pasni may enjoy patches of shade from wandering clouds.
Farther north, in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, the forecast offers a gentler picture: partly cloudy skies with moments of rainfall, the kind of weather that leaves the valleys smelling fresh and the rivers running colder.
Yet, despite these northern respites, the overall mood of the day across Pakistan is one of heat and dryness, a stubborn reminder that autumn has yet to bring its promise of cooler winds.