LAHORE: After a long dry spell, Punjab witnessed its first widespread rain of the winter season on Thursday with scattered rain expected on Friday (today).

Several parts of the city, including Punjab University and Wagah Border areas, also experienced a hailstorm.

Rain brought light to moderate showers to Lahore and other districts and lowered temperatures across the province. Rainfall was reported in several areas including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, and DG Khan.

In Lahore, areas such as Samanabad and Johar Town recorded 6mm of rain, while Jail Road, Gulberg, and Iqbal Town saw 4mm of rain. Mughalpura and Tajpura areas received lighter showers of 0.5mm.

According to data collected from respective District Emergency Operation Centres and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), other areas receiving rainfall included Joharabad 11mm, Noorpur Thal 9mm, Murree 8mm, Sargodha & Chakwal 7mm each, Rahim Yar Khan & Khanpur 6mm each, Jhang, Layyah (Karor), & Kot Addu 5mm each, Rawalpindi varying from 3-5mm in different areas, Bhakkar 4mm and Faisalabad 3mm. Rain was also reported in DG Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Muzaffargarh and Bahawalpur districts.

The PMD forecasted cold and cloudy weather for Friday, with rain, wind, thunderstorms, or snow expected in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, and their surroundings. Moderate to heavy rain or snow may occur during the morning hours. Intermittent rain, wind, or thunderstorms are also predicted for Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, and several other districts.

It has warned that northeastern districts of Punjab could experience heavy rain and hailstorms.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026