Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is likely to be worst affected, severe weather may trigger landslides in northern areas
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday issued a weather alert warning of widespread dust-thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and strong winds in the northwestern parts of the country from May 2.
In its advisory, the department said a fresh westerly wave is expected to enter the northwestern regions by the evening of May 2 and continue in the upper parts of the country until the morning of May 5, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa likely to be the worst-hit province.
“Widespread dust-thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and strong winds are expected to affect upper and central Pakistan during the coming days,” the PMD said, urging authorities and the public to remain alert.
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According to Met Office, dust-thunderstorm, isolated heavy falls and hailstorm were expected in several districts of KP including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Swabiurak, Swabiurak, Ba, Charsadda, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera. Ismail Khan and Waziristan from the evening of May 2 to May 4, with occasional gaps.
Punjab and Islamabad were also expected to be affected.
PMD has also predicted dust-thunderstorm and isolated hailstorm in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narow2 on the night of May 4 in the evening. Rain-wind and thundershowers with isolated hail may also affect Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Multan and Khanewal on May 3 and 4.
The weather system is also expected to extend to the northern regions. Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, is likely to experience rain-wind and thundershowers from the night of May 2 to May 5.
Besides, heavy rainfall and hailstorms are also expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur during the same period.
Balochistan including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Kohlu, Zhob, Barkhan and Loralai may experience wind and thundershowers from May 2 to May 4. Upper Sindh is also likely to experience dust-thunderstorm on May 2 and 3.
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The Met Office highlighted potential impacts, warning that gales, hail and lightning could damage weak structures such as electricity poles, billboards and solar panels.
It also warned of the likelihood of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB and Kashmir, especially on May 3 and 4. Farmers in KP and upper Punjab were advised to take timely measures to protect standing crops from possible hail and storm damage.
The department said the prevailing intense heat in the plains was likely to subside during the forecast period.
Tourists and travelers were advised to exercise extra caution and avoid unnecessary travel to affected regions, while all relevant authorities were asked to remain on high alert and take precautions to avoid any untoward incident.
