Pakistan’s Upper and Central Regions Brace for Rain, Thunderstorms, and Hailstorms this Weekend

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a press release predicting rain, dust storms, thunderstorms, and even hailstorms in the upper and central parts of the country from the upcoming weekend. The weather system is expected to be triggered by a westerly wave that is set to enter the upper parts of the country on April 15.

The affected areas include the Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur in Kashmir, as well as Diamir, Astor, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar in Gilgit-Baltistan. Chitral, Dir, Swat, Mansehra, Buner, Kohistan, Shangla, Haripur, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Bajaur, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum are also expected to be affected. The rain and thunderstorm are expected to continue until April 20.

Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Quetta, Zhob, Barkhan, Qila Saifullah, Qilla Abdullah, Chaman, Pishin, Ziarat, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Khuzdar, Kalat, and Makran will experience rain, dust storms, thunderstorms, and hailstorms on April 17 and 18.

Meanwhile, light rain and thunderstorms are expected in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Multan, D.G.Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Layyah, Bhakkar, Khushab, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sahiwal, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Kasur, Sheikhupura, and Nankana Sahib on April 17 and 18.

Farmers are advised to take precautions as dust-windstorms and hailstorms could cause damage to loose infrastructure and standing crops, especially wheat crops. Tourists are also urged to be cautious during the forecast period.

The authorities concerned are advised to remain vigilant to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.