The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted dust-thunderstorms and rain in the upper parts of the country from May 19 to May 23. The weather system is expected to bring temporary relief from the ongoing heatwave in northern regions.
According to the PMD, a westerly weather wave entered northwestern areas on Monday night. The system is likely to remain active in upper regions until May 23 with occasional gaps.
The Met Office said southern and central parts of Pakistan are expected to continue facing extremely hot weather during the coming days. Temperatures are likely to stay high despite cooler conditions in northern areas.
Under the influence of the weather system, several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are expected to receive rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms. These districts include Chitral, Swat, Dir, Kalam, Shangla, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kohistan, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Khyber, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, and Waziristan.
The PMD also forecast isolated hailstorms in some areas during the period. Weather conditions may vary with breaks between rainfall activities.
In Punjab and Islamabad, rain and dust-thunderstorm activity is likely in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Attock, Chakwal, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, and nearby districts.
The weather department further stated that Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also expected to receive rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, districts including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Ghanche, and Shigar may experience unstable weather conditions.
Meanwhile, areas of Azad Kashmir such as Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber, and Poonch are also likely to witness rainfall till May 23.
The PMD warned that strong windstorms and lightning could damage weak structures during the forecast period. Electric poles, solar panels, and billboards may be at risk in vulnerable areas.
The department also cautioned that moderate to heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in mountainous regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
In other news read more about: Punjab CM Stresses Human-Centered Urban Development in Cities
Authorities have advised residents and travelers to remain careful during the changing weather conditions and follow official updates regularly.
