Islamabad : The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Saturday forecast rains accompanied by dust- and thunderstorms in the country’s upper regions, including Islamabad and Rawalpindi, from today (Sunday) through Tuesday, while warning of possible landslides in the upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions.
It pushed authorities for taking precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
In a weather advisory, the PMD said a fresh westerly weather system was expected to enter the country’s northwestern regions on May 10 and remain active across the upper parts until the night of May 12.
According to it, under the influence of the system, dust storms, thunderstorms and rains are likely to hit several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, including Islamabad-Rawalpindi region, from the evening of May 10 to 12, with intermittent breaks.
Accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, the rainfall is also expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir regions from May 11 to 13.
The PMD said the spell would ease the prevailing heatwave conditions in the upper parts of the country, while intense heat is expected to persist in southern Punjab, Sindh and parts of Balochistan.
It warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable structures such as electricity poles, billboards and solar panels.
The department urged farmers, especially those engaged in wheat harvesting, to plan agricultural activities accordingly. It also warned that landslides could occur in upper parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, so travellers, especially tourists, should avoid unnecessary journeys and exercise caution.
