The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting dust-thunderstorms and rainfall in the northern regions of the country from the evening of May 10 through May 12. This weather pattern is attributed to a fresh westerly wave that entered the northwestern areas on Saturday.
The system is expected to persist across the upper parts of Pakistan until the night of May 12, bringing intermittent rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms to multiple districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the affected districts include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Kohat, Kurram, and neighboring areas. These regions are expected to experience these weather conditions from the evening of May 10 until May 12.
Meanwhile, in Punjab and Islamabad, rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms is forecast for Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Narowal during the same timeframe.
Additionally, Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, and other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to see similar weather, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, and Mirpur are expected to receive rainfall from May 11 to 13.
The PMD noted that this weather system will bring relief from the ongoing hot conditions in the northern areas. However, very hot weather is anticipated to continue in southern regions, including southern Punjab, Sindh, and parts of Balochistan.
Authorities have cautioned that windstorms and lightning during this period could cause damage to vulnerable structures such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels. Farmers, especially those involved in wheat harvesting, have been advised to take precautions due to the expected dust storms and rain.
Furthermore, the department warned of the potential for landslides in susceptible areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Tourists and travelers are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary journeys during the forecast period.
All relevant authorities have been instructed to stay alert and implement precautionary measures to prevent any adverse incidents arising from the anticipated weather conditions.
