Pakistan faces heatwave in south, dust storms and rain in north

Pakistan is currently experiencing a dramatic weather contrast, with the southern regions, particularly Sindh, grappling with intense heatwaves, while the northern and central areas are bracing for a significant weather system bringing dust storms, rain, and the threat of landslides.

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the maximum temperature is expected to rise to 39 degrees Celsius over the weekend

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that a fresh westerly wave will approach the northwestern parts of the country on Saturday evening, persisting in the upper regions until May 5. This system is expected to bring dust-thunderstorms and rain, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, to vast swathes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and the federal capital, Islamabad.

In stark opposition, cities like Karachi are already enduring extreme heat, with maximum temperatures predicted to reach 39 degrees Celsius over the weekend. This dichotomy highlights the diverse climatic challenges Pakistan faces within a single week.

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Dust-thunderstorm/rain with isolated hailstorm is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab has issued an alert, directing deputy commissioners to remain vigilant and prepared for any untoward situations. Warnings have been specifically issued regarding potential damage to weak structures from windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning, as well as the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. Farmers are also advised to take precautions as standing crops are threatened by these weather phenomena.

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Landslides could also take place in the “vulnerable areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on May 3 and May 4”