ISLAMABAD: A spell of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds hit the federal capital on Thursday, turning streets into streams within minutes and bringing much-needed relief from the prevailing heat and humidity.

The sudden downpour, following nearly a week of dry weather, was marked by gusty winds that set trees swaying across the city. The rain quickly inundated several roads, slowing traffic movement in some areas.

Residents, who had been enduring intense heat and suffocating humidity for days, welcomed the shower as it significantly cooled the weather and broke the spell of discomfort.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, an intense spell of rain accompanied by strong winds swept through Islamabad, breaking the prolonged spell of heat and humidity. The sudden downpour brought much-needed relief to residents, while PMD has also forecast further rainfall in the upper parts of the country.

According to the Met Office, rain with thunder, lightning, and gusty winds is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region, Islamabad, northeastern Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.

Isolated areas in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and surrounding hilly regions may also experience heavy rainfall and hailstorms. Meanwhile, hot and dry weather is likely to persist in most southern and central regions of Pakistan.

As the rain began, strong winds caused trees to sway, while roads in several parts of the city quickly filled with water, leading to traffic disruptions. Low-lying areas were among the first to experience minor flooding.

Despite the inconvenience, the shift in weather brought a much-needed drop in temperature, making conditions noticeably more pleasant.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly in hilly or flood-prone areas, to remain cautious. The current weather system is expected to persist over the next 48 hours, with more rainfall forecasted for the northern and northwestern regions.