Storms to Relieve Pakistan’s Severe Heatwave

News Desk 

Islamabad: Dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated rain expected in the upper parts of Pakistan from May 28 to June 1 will help alleviate severe heatwave conditions, offering relief to the heat-stricken population.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a shallow westerly wave is likely to affect the upper parts of the country starting on the evening/night of May 28.

Under this weather system’s influence, dust storms and thunderstorms are expected in Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Sherani, and Barkhan, from the night of May 27 to May 29.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, dust storms and thunderstorms with isolated rain are anticipated in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Mardan, and Kurram from the evening/night of May 28 to June 1, with occasional gaps.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain and wind/thunderstorms are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from the evening/night of May 28 to June 1. In Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur, similar weather is expected during the same period.

In Punjab/Islamabad, dust storms and thunderstorms with isolated rain are forecasted for Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, and Mianwali from the evening/night of May 28 to June 1, with occasional gaps.

In Sindh, dust storms and gusty winds are expected in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, and Hyderabad on May 28 and 29.

The PMD has advised farmers to manage their crops accordingly. The department also warned that dust storms, windstorms, and lightning could disrupt daily routines and affect standing crops, loose structures like electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels during this period.Severe heatwave conditions are likely to subside in the upper parts from May 28.

However, heatwave-like conditions are expected in the central and southern parts of the country, with day temperatures likely to remain 3-4 degrees Celsius above normal in these areas. The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight.

All concerned authorities are advised to stay alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situations during the heatwave spell.