Weather Alert: Windstorms, Thunderstorms, and Heavy Rains Expected Across Upper and Central Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for a period of intense weather, including windstorms, thunderstorms, and substantial rainfall, which is anticipated to impact the upper and central regions of the nation from the night of May 27 through May 31, with some interruptions.

The Met Office announced on Monday that humid airflows are consistently moving into the upper and central parts of the country. A westerly wave is expected to enter the upper regions around May 28, leading to widespread weather disturbances.

Due to this weather pattern, there is a likelihood of windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, accompanied by localized heavy downpours and hailstorms, in areas such as Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Mianwali.

Affected Areas

The advisory also includes areas like Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Sheikhupura.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forecast

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjacent areas, the districts at risk include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Mansehra, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Karak, and Waziristan.

Balochistan and South Punjab

Windstorms with mild to moderate rain and thunder are also expected in certain parts of Balochistan and South Punjab, such as Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Vehari, and Dera Ismail Khan, from the evening of May 27 to May 30, with occasional breaks.

Potential Impacts and Precautions

The PMD has cautioned that windstorms, dust-thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning could potentially damage vulnerable structures like electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels, particularly in the upper and central parts of the country, including Islamabad. Agricultural workers are advised to adjust their activities accordingly.

The public, along with travelers and tourists, are urged to take necessary precautions during this period of adverse weather.

All relevant authorities have been placed on high alert, ready to implement measures to prevent any adverse situations.