ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to experience a significant weather shift starting from the night of May 18 to May 23, as the Met Office predicts dust-thunderstorms, rain, and isolated hailstorms across the country’s upper parts over the next five days, offering temporary relief from the scorching heat that has gripped the region, though southern areas will continue to bake in extreme temperatures.
A westerly wave is expected to approach northwestern parts of Pakistan on the night of May 18 and will likely persist in upper regions until May 23, the Meteorological Department said in its advisory on Monday.
Weather Alert!#pmd #Pakistan #Weather #Alert pic.twitter.com/ImTzYJ9pKd
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 18, 2026
Under the influence of this weather system, dust-thunderstorms with rain and isolated hailstorms are expected across large swathes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir from Monday night through Saturday, with occasional gaps between spells.
Dust-thunderstorm/rain with occasional gaps predicted in upper parts in coming days
A temporary relief from very hot weather in upper parts. #PakistanWeather #PMD #WeatherUpdate #DustStorm #Thunderstorm #RainAlert #HeatwaveRelief pic.twitter.com/AAdXH6aAUE— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 18, 2026
Affected areas across seven regions
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Khyber, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Waziristan, Bannu, Laki Marwat, and Karak are on alert.
In Punjab and Islamabad, the weather system will affect Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Joharabad, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, and Narowal.
Gilgit-Baltistan districts including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, and Shigar will also receive rain, as will Kashmir regions including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
Farmer’s Weather Forecast | 18-05-2026#PMD #Pakistan #Weather pic.twitter.com/A9OqYtS10w
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 18, 2026
Official warnings and advisories
The Met Office has issued several critical advisories for the forecast period:
- Structural damage: Strong winds and lightning may damage weak structures including electric poles, billboards, and solar panels.
- Farmers: Agricultural activities should be managed in accordance with the dust storm and rain prediction.
- Landslide risk: Moderate to isolated heavy falls may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
- Tourists and travelers: Citizens are advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
- Southern heatwave: Very hot weather is likely to continue in southern parts of Pakistan in the coming days, with no immediate relief expected.
Weekly Weather Outlook: Hot and Dry Conditions Likely Across Most Parts of Pakistan; Rain-Wind/Thunderstorms Expected in Upper Regions #WeatherUpdate #WeeklyWeatherOutlook #PakistanWeather #PMD #Heatwave #HotWeather #DryWeather #RainThunderstorm pic.twitter.com/CKLAYbURJe
— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) May 18, 2026
Forecast for Monday night and Tuesday
For Monday night, mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country. However, partly cloudy conditions with dust-thunderstorms and rain are likely at isolated places in upper and lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas. Hailstorms may also occur at isolated places.
On Tuesday, very hot conditions are likely in southern and central areas, while upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas will see dust-thunderstorms and rain.
Recent heatwave and record temperatures
The past 24 hours saw hot and dry weather prevailing over most of Pakistan, with very hot conditions persisting in central and southern districts. Only Chitral recorded 3 mm of rain.
Today’s highest maximum temperatures were recorded in Dadu and D.G. Khan at 48°C, followed by Jacobabad at 47°C. Bhakkar, Noorpurthal, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khanewal, and Bahawalnagar each recorded 46°C.
The Meteorological Department has urged all residents in affected areas to stay updated with weather advisories and take necessary precautions, particularly regarding lightning strikes and strong winds that could damage vulnerable structures.
