The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert for the upper regions of the country, forecasting rain, dust-thunderstorms, and wind from the evening of May 10 through May 12. This weather system is being driven by a fresh westerly wave that entered northwestern regions on Saturday.
According to the Met Office, the system is likely to persist in upper areas until the night of May 12, bringing rain-wind and thunderstorms to several districts with occasional gaps.
Regional Forecast and Affected Areas
The PMD has identified several regions that may be impacted by the current weather system:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: From May 10 evening to May 12, affected areas include Peshawar, Kohat, Kurram, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Swat, Kalam, Dir, Chitral, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, and adjoining districts.
- Punjab and Islamabad: Expected rain-wind and thunderstorms in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum.
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Forecasts include rain-wind and thunderstorms in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Diamir, and other areas.
- Azad Kashmir: Rain is likely from May 11 to 13 in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, and Mirpur.
Significance and Potential Risks
While the weather system is likely to provide relief from the prevailing hot weather in the upper parts of the country, the PMD notes that very hot conditions are expected to continue in southern regions, including Sindh, south Punjab, and parts of Balochistan.
The department has highlighted several critical risks associated with the forecast:
- Infrastructure Damage: Lightning and windstorms could damage weak structures, specifically billboards, electric poles, and solar panels.
- Agricultural Impact: Farmers engaged in wheat harvesting have been advised to manage their crop activities carefully due to the expected rain and dust-storms.
- Geological Hazards: There is a warning for possible landslides in vulnerable areas of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Safety Recommendations
In response to these conditions, tourists and travelers have been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. All concerned authorities have been asked to remain vigilant and implement precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situations.