Rain to bring relief to upper Pakistan after soaring temperatures

ISLAMABAD: Following a three-day spell of intense heat in the country’s northern areas, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain in upper parts of Pakistan from Sunday evening through May 12.

According to the Met Office, dust storms, thunderstorms and rain are expected in upper regions from May 10 to May 12, with occasional gaps. The department said a fresh westerly wave is likely to reach the northwestern parts of the country on Sunday and remain active in upper areas until the night of May 12.

Under the influence of this weather system, dust storms, thunderstorms and rain are likely in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 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 and Karak.

Similar conditions are also expected in parts of Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory, including Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Joharabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal.

The PMD said rain, wind and thunderstorms are also likely in Gilgit-Baltistan from May 11 to May 13, again with occasional gaps. Areas expected to be affected include Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.

The weather system is also forecast to affect Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

The Met Office said the hot conditions are likely to persist in southern parts of the country, including south Punjab, Sindh and parts of Balochistan.

Warnings and advisories

The department warned that windstorms and lightning during the forecast period could damage vulnerable structures, including electricity poles, billboards and solar panels.

The PMD advised farmers to plan agricultural activities in line with changing weather conditions. It also urged tourists and travellers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement during the period covered by the forecast.

All relevant authorities have also been asked to remain alert in view of the expected weather activity.