KEY POINTS
- Moisture-laden currents to move into northeast Punjab
- Rain is forecast for Lahore, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara
- Gilgit-Baltistan is also likely to see unsettled weather
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Tuesday forecasted a spell of windstorms and thunderstorms — with isolated hail — across the upper and central regions of Pakistan from 1st to 4th May, signalling an end to the ongoing heatwave.
According to the Met Office, a westerly weather system is expected to reach the upper parts of the country on the evening of 30th April, while moisture-laden currents are likely to move into northeast Punjab from 1st May.
Under the influence of this system, widespread weather activity — including heavy rainfall in some areas — is anticipated.
Regions likely to be affected include Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and adjoining districts), Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, and parts of northern and central Punjab such as Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Narowal. Rain is also forecast for Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Kasur, Okara, and other surrounding districts.
Experiencing dust storms
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, and Malakand, as well as in Waziristan, Kohat, Peshawar, and adjoining tribal areas. Gilgit-Baltistan is also likely to see unsettled weather, including rain and hail, during this period.
From the night of 2nd May to 5th May, southern areas such as Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Sukkur, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and parts of Balochistan, including Zhob and Khuzdar, are expected to experience duststorms and thunderstorms.
The Met Office has cautioned that windstorms, lightning, and hail could pose risks to infrastructure — potentially damaging electric poles, vehicles, trees, solar panels, and other exposed structures. Citizens are urged to take appropriate safety measures, particularly during severe weather.
Farmers, especially those harvesting wheat, are advised to plan agricultural activities carefully to minimise crop damage.
Authorities across the affected regions have been instructed to remain vigilant and ensure preparedness to mitigate any adverse impacts.
