ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dust-thunderstorm and rain in upper parts of the country from May 10 (evening) to May 12 under the influence of a fresh westerly wave entered northwestern regions on Saturday.
According to the Met Office, the weather system is likely to persist in upper parts until May 12 night, bringing rain-wind/thunderstorms to several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir with occasional gaps.
The affected areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Kohat, Kurram and adjoining districts from May 10 evening to May 12.
In Punjab and Islamabad, rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal during the same period.
The Met Office said rain-wind/thunderstorm is also expected in Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit and other areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, while Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli and Mirpur in Azad Kashmir are likely to receive rain from May 11 to 13.
The department said the weather system is likely to provide relief from the prevailing hot weather in upper parts of the country, while very hot conditions are expected to continue in southern regions, including south Punjab, Sindh and parts of Balochistan.
The PMD warned that windstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, including electric poles, billboards and solar panels during the forecast period.
Farmers, particularly those engaged in wheat harvesting, have been advised to manage crop activities carefully in view of expected duststorms and rain.
The department also warned of possible landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
Tourists and travelers have been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period, while all concerned authorities have been asked to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation.
