The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a new westerly weather system that is expected to enter the northwestern parts of Pakistan on the night of May 18 and continue affecting upper regions until May 23. The system is likely to bring dust storms, thunderstorms, rainfall, and isolated hailstorms to multiple areas across the country.
According to the Met Office, several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Chitral, Swat, Kalam, Dir, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Kurram, Waziristan, and nearby regions are expected to receive rain and strong winds during the forecast period. Some areas may also witness isolated hailstorms.
The weather department further stated that parts of Punjab and Islamabad including Rawalpindi, Murree, Chakwal, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Jhang, Narowal, and other districts are likely to experience dust-thunderstorms and rainfall in the coming days.
In northern regions, rain with occasional gaps is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan including Diamir, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghizer, Astore, and Shigar until May 23. Meanwhile, several areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Mirpur, and Bhimber are also expected to receive rain during the same period.
The PMD warned that strong winds and lightning may damage weak infrastructure such as electric poles, solar panels, and billboards. Authorities have also cautioned that moderate to heavy rainfall could trigger landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
Farmers have been advised to manage agricultural activities carefully according to the weather conditions, while tourists and travelers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. The Met Office added that very hot weather is likely to continue in the southern parts of Pakistan despite the incoming weather system.
Also read: PMD Forecasts Heavy Rain Across Pakistan
