Rain, hailstorms likely in upper and central Pakistan: PMD

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast windstorm and rain-thunderstorm activity in upper and central parts of the country from May 27 (night) to May 31, with occasional gaps.

The department stated that moist currents are continuously penetrating the upper and central regions, while a westerly wave is likely to enter the upper parts of the country on May 28, triggering widespread weather activity.

Under the influence of this weather system, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms with isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms are expected in a broad swathe of the country. 

Affected areas include Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and the Galliyat region. 

In Punjab, the forecast covers Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Sheikhupura. 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also see activity, particularly in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Mansehra, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Karak, and Waziristan.

In addition, windstorm with light to moderate rain-thunder is also expected in parts of Balochistan and South Punjab, including Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Vehari, and Dera Ismail Khan from May 27 (evening/night) to May 30, with occasional gaps.

The PMD has warned that windstorms, dust-thunderstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may damage loose structures such as electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels, particularly in upper and central regions, including Islamabad. 

Farmers have been advised to manage their crop-related activities keeping in view the predicted weather conditions.

The general public, travellers, and tourists are advised to take precautionary measures during the active weather period.

All concerned authorities have been advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward situation.