PMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and isolated hailstorms in Islamabad and northern areas as a westerly wave enters the country.
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast partly cloudy weather with rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in Islamabad and surrounding areas on Tuesday and Wednesday, with isolated hailstorms and heavy rainfall also expected.
According to the PMD forecast issued on October 6, a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper parts of the country tonight and persist until October 7, triggering unsettled weather across several northern and upper-central regions.
For Tuesday, rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are likely in Islamabad, the Potohar region, upper Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. Isolated hailstorms and heavy rainfall may also occur during the period.
The weather system is expected to remain active on Wednesday morning. The PMD has forecast rain, windstorms and thunderstorms in Islamabad and surrounding areas, while upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, the Potohar region and northeastern Punjab are also likely to receive rainfall.
PMD warns of possible damage
The meteorological department has warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, including the roofs and walls of mud houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to exercise caution during periods of thunderstorms, hailstorms and strong winds.
Meanwhile, most parts of the country experienced dry weather during the past 24 hours, while temperatures remained high across the plains.
Isolated rain, windstorms and thunderstorms were recorded in parts of the Potohar region and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with some areas also receiving hail and heavy rainfall.
Rainfall recorded in Punjab and KP
Attock received the highest rainfall in Punjab at 28mm.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Malam Jabba and Takht Bai recorded 10mm each, while Cherat received 7mm. Peshawar City recorded 6mm and its airport 1mm, while Lower Dir received 5mm and Upper Dir 3mm.
Despite the rainfall in some northern areas, temperatures remained high across the country’s plains.
The highest maximum temperature was recorded in Turbat at 42°C, followed by Dadu at 41°C. Sibbi, Mohenjodaro and Dalbandin recorded maximum temperatures of 40°C.
The approaching weather system is expected to bring a temporary change in conditions across Islamabad and several northern parts of the country, with residents advised to monitor official weather updates and take precautions during severe weather.