The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert predicting rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms in the upper and central regions of Pakistan from May 1 to May 4. The ongoing heatwave is expected to ease during this period.
Weather System Moving In
A westerly wave is likely to reach the northern regions on the evening of April 30. At the same time, moist air currents are expected to enter northeast Punjab starting May 1, which may cause unstable weather across multiple areas.
Areas Likely to Be Affected
Northern and Central Pakistan
Regions expected to receive rain, thunderstorms, and isolated hail include:
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber, and others)
- Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat
- Chakwal, Attock, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin
- Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad
Punjab Cities
Other cities forecasted to receive rainfall include:
- Lahore, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur
- Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Mianwali, Sargodha
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Gilgit-Baltistan
Expected rainfall areas in the northwest include:
- Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Malakand
- Waziristan, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Kurram
- Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Ghizer, Ghanche, Shigar
Rainfall is expected to begin from April 30 evening and continue until May 4, with occasional dry gaps.
Rain and Duststorms in South Pakistan
From the night of May 2 to May 5, duststorms and thunderstorms are likely in:
- Multan, DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar
- Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Khairpur, Tharparkar
- Zhob, Khuzdar, Musakhel, Barkhan
Safety Warnings Issued
The PMD has warned of strong winds, lightning, and hail, which may damage:
- Electric poles
- Solar panels
- Vehicles
- Trees and weak structures
People are urged to stay safe during bad weather.
Advice for Farmers and Authorities
Farmers, especially those harvesting wheat, are advised to plan ahead to avoid crop losses. All local authorities have been told to stay alert and take precautions to prevent damage or danger during the stormy days.
