Islamabad (GNP): A powerful westerly weather system will bring a marked shift to Pakistan’s upper regions from the night of May 19 through May 23, the Met Office said, forecasting dust storms, thunderstorms, rain, and isolated hail that may briefly ease the ongoing heat. Southern parts of the country, however, will remain under intense heat with no immediate relief.
The westerly wave is expected to enter northwestern Pakistan on the night of May 18 and linger over the upper areas until May 23. Under its influence, intermittent spells of dust-thunderstorms with rain—and occasional hail—are likely across wide areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir from Monday night to Saturday.
Areas on alert
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Khyber, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Waziristan, Bannu, Laki Marwat, and Karak.
- Punjab/Islamabad: Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Joharabad, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, and Narowal.
- Gilgit-Baltistan: Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ganche, and Shigar.
- Kashmir: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur.
Official advisories and warnings
- Structural hazards: Strong winds and lightning may damage fragile structures, including power poles, billboards, and solar installations.
- Agriculture: Farmers should adjust schedules in line with storm and rainfall forecasts.
- Landslides: Moderate to heavy falls could trigger landslides in vulnerable parts of upper KP, GB, and Kashmir.
- Travel: Tourists and commuters should exercise caution and avoid nonessential travel during active weather.
- Heatwave in the south: Very hot conditions will persist across southern Pakistan.
Short-term forecast
- Monday night: Mostly hot and dry nationwide, with partly cloudy skies and isolated dust-thunderstorms, rain, and possible hail in upper and lower KP, GB, Islamabad, Kashmir, and nearby hills.
- Tuesday: Very hot in southern and central regions; dust-thunderstorms and rain expected over upper KP, GB, Kashmir, and adjacent hilly areas.
Heatwave status The country remained largely hot and dry over the past 24 hours, with only Chitral receiving 3 mm of rain. Temperatures soared to 48°C in Dadu and D.G. Khan, with Jacobabad also at 48°C. Readings of 46°C were logged in Bhakkar, Noorpur Thal, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khanewal, and Bahawalnagar. Authorities warn of heightened health risks for outdoor workers, the elderly, and children, urging people to limit sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
Public guidance Residents in affected areas should monitor official updates, prepare for lightning and strong winds, and secure vulnerable structures. In heat-prone districts, stay hydrated, reduce strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat, and ensure adequate indoor ventilation to minimize heat-related illnesses.
