PMD forecasts rain, thunderstorm in upper parts of country this weekend

Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday forecast rain and thunderstorm in upper parts of the country this weekend, as a westerly wave is likely to approach northwestern parts of the country on April 16 and likely to persist in upper parts till April 19.

The Met Office said under the influence of the prevailing weather system, Kyber Pakhtunkhwa’s various districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Mardan, Peshawar, Bajaur, Swabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Khyber and Hangu are likely to receive rain and thunderstorm with isolated heavy falls/hailstorm (snowfall over mountains) from the evening of April 16 to 19 with occasional gaps, while light rain wind/thunderstorm is likely at isolated places in Orakzai, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan on April 17 and 18.

The PMD said rain-wind/thunderstorm with moderate to isolated heavy falls (snowfall over the mountains) is expected in Gilgit Baltistan’s Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche and Shigar areas from April 16 to 19 with occasional gaps.

Rain- windstorm /thunderstorm with isolated hailstorm is expected in Kashmir’s Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from April 17 to 19 with occasional gaps.

Whereas, the PMD predicted that Balochistan’s Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noshki, Sherani, Musakhel, Loralai, Harnai, Zhob, Barkhan and Loralai districts are expected to receive rain and thunderstorm on April 17 and 18.

Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm with isolated hailstorm is expected in Islamabad and Punjab’s different parts including Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal from April 16 to 18. Windstorm and thunderstorm may occur in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bhakkar, Khushab, Noorpurthal, Multan and Khanewal from April 16 to 18.

Windstorm and dust raising winds are expected in upper Sindh from April 16 to 18.

The weather advisory department warned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from April 17 to 19.

Windstorm/ hailstorm and lightning may damage weak structures such as electric poles, bill boards and solar panels during the forecast period. Hailstorm/windstorm may damage standing crops in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab as well, the Met Office said.

Farmers are advised to manage their crops according to the prevailing weather conditions.

Tourists and travelers are advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travelling during the forecast period.

Due to heavy rains, flash flood is expected in vulnerable areas of upper Kyber Pakhtunkhwa including Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Batgram and Chitral as well as different areas of Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir.

The PMD advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.