Met Office forecasts heavy rain, windstorms in upper parts from April 16

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in the upper parts of the country from April 16 to 19.

In a statement, the National Weather Forecasting Centre said a westerly wave is likely to reach the northwestern parts of the country on April 16 and remain active over upper areas until April 19.

Under the influence of this weather system, the PMD said isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected in several regions.

Areas likely to receive rain

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Swabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Kurram, Khyber and Hangu from Thursday evening, with occasional gaps.

The Met Office said light rain is also likely at isolated places in Orakzai, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan on April 17 and 18.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, moderate to isolated heavy falls are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche and Shigar, also with occasional gaps.

In Kashmir, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms is expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from April 17 to 19.

The PMD said showers are also expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Harnai, Zhob and Barkhan on April 17 and 18.

Rain along with isolated hailstorms is forecast in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal from April 16 to 18.

Windstorms and thunderstorms may also occur in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bhakkar, Khushab, Noorpurthal, Multan and Khanewal during the same period.

The weather department further said windstorms are expected in upper Sindh from April 16 to 18.

Warnings and advisory

The PMD warned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during the forecast period.

It said hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures and could also affect standing crops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab.

Due to heavy rainfall, the department said flash floods are expected in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.

The PMD advised tourists and travellers to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the period.

The PMD advised all authorities concerned to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.