Islamabad, March 27, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of a potential dust storm looming over the southern regions of the country on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
As per the latest forecast, while other parts may experience rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms, the southern provinces are likely to encounter dust storms or dust-raising winds.
The PMD’s weather projection for Thursday, March 28, 2024, anticipates rain accompanied by windstorms and thunderstorms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northern Balochistan. However, the southern regions are expected to face the brunt of the dust storm.
Reflecting on the weather conditions for Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the PMD highlighted the possibility of rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and northern Balochistan. Conversely, the southern parts are likely to experience dust storms or dust-raising winds.
According to the synoptic situation outlined by the PMD, a westerly wave is currently impacting the western and upper regions of the country. It is expected to extend its influence to encompass the upper and central parts of Pakistan by March 28, exacerbating weather fluctuations.
In the past 24 hours, scattered rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms have been reported in isolated areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, and Kashmir. Meanwhile, dry to partly cloudy weather conditions prevailed in other parts of the country.
The recorded rainfall figures (in mm) from the past 24 hours are as follows:
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Parachinar 11, Bannu 08, Cherat 07, Dir (upper 07, lower 02), Bacha Khan Airport 05, Peshawar (Airport 05, City 04), Mardan, Kalam 02, Saidu Sharif, Malama Jabba, Dera Ismail Khan (City) 01.
• Punjab: Layyah 04, Islamabad (Airport 04, Zero point, Bokra 02, Golra, Saidpur 01), Rawalpindi (Chaklala 03, Kacheri, Shamsabad 02), Attock, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh 02, Bhakkar 01.
• Kashmir: Rawalakot 02, Garhidupatta 01.
Furthermore, the highest recorded maximum temperatures (°C) for today are as follows:
• Shaheed Benazirabad: 42
• Mithi: 41
• Chhor, Tando Jam, Hyderabad, Padidan, and Sakrand: 39.
Residents in the southern regions of Pakistan are advised to take necessary precautions in anticipation of the impending dust storm. The PMD continues to monitor the evolving weather patterns and will provide updates accordingly.