The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast wind and thunderstorms with isolated hailstorms in the upper and central parts of the country from May 1st to 4th. The ongoing heatwave is likely to abate during this period.
According to the Met Office, a westerly wave is anticipated to approach the upper regions of the country on the evening of April 30th, while moist currents are expected to enter northeast Punjab starting from May 1st.
Under the influence of this weather system, wind and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms, are expected in several areas.
The affected areas include Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur), Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, and Narowal.
Rain is also expected in Lahore, Sahiwal, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, and Malakand.
Other areas likely to be affected include Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Mardan, Kurram, and Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar). These regions are expected to receive rainfall from the evening or night of April 30th to May 4th, with occasional breaks.
Duststorms and thunderstorms are also anticipated in Multan, DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Umerkot, Zhob, Khuzdar, Musakhel, and Barkhan between the night of May 2nd and May 5th.
The Met Office has cautioned that windstorms, hail, and lightning could potentially damage electric poles, trees, vehicles, solar panels, and other unsecured structures. The public is advised to exercise caution, especially during thunderstorms.
Farmers, particularly those involved in wheat harvesting, are advised to plan their agricultural activities accordingly.
All relevant authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent any unforeseen situations.
