Pakistan weather alert: rains, winds expected in North

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an updated weather forecast, predicting rain and gusty winds in northern parts of the country starting from April 8. A shallow westerly wave is expected to enter the upper regions of Pakistan on Tuesday evening and persist until April 11. As a result, several areas in the northern half of the country will experience occasional rainfall, accompanied by gusty winds.

Rainfall and Gusty Winds in Northern Regions

From April 8 through April 11, regions including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Bunner, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Murree, Galliyat, and Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) will see intermittent rain and gusty winds. Kashmir areas, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur, are also expected to be affected by this weather system.

The Potohar region (Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mianwali, Jhelum) and parts of northeast Punjab, including Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, and Sheikhupura, will also experience gusty winds and light rain over the coming days.

Heatwave to Persist in Southern Regions

While the northern regions brace for rains, a heatwave will continue to prevail in Sindh, central and southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan. Temperatures in these regions are expected to remain 4°C to 7°C above the seasonal average. The PMD advises the public, especially vulnerable groups such as children, women, and senior citizens, to take necessary precautions against the extreme heat.

Precautionary Measures and Advice

Due to rising temperatures, the PMD recommends that the general public avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the daytime. Hydration is essential, and people are urged to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Farmers are also advised to manage their crop activities carefully, particularly wheat harvesting, and take extra care of their livestock during this period of extreme weather.

Hailstorms and Gusty Winds Possible

In addition to rain, the forecast suggests that isolated hailstorms may occur, especially in areas experiencing heavy rainfall. Gusty winds are expected to impact the plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh, further raising the risk of localized disturbances and potential damage.

As the shallow westerly wave brings wet conditions to the northern parts of the country, the public is urged to stay updated with the latest weather advisories issued by the PMD.