The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert for thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall in the upper regions of Pakistan for Monday, April 29, 2024.
The PMD has highlighted areas such as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, upper and central Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir as potentially affected regions.
According to the latest forecast, the upper areas might experience rain, windstorms, or thunderstorms, which may include isolated hailstorms. Heavy falls are anticipated in parts of upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Kashmir, and nearby hilly areas. In contrast, the rest of the country is expected to remain dry but may experience gusty winds.
The PMD has warned that the intense weather could lead to moderate to heavy rainfall, triggering flash floods in local nullahs and streams in regions including Dir, Swat, Chitral, Manshera, Kohistan, and Kashmir. Additionally, landslides are a significant concern in susceptible areas such as upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan starting tonight.
Residents and travelers in the mentioned regions are advised to stay cautious as windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning could pose threats to human lives, crops, and infrastructure such as electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels.
The PMD has attributed these severe weather conditions to a strong westerly wave currently affecting the upper parts of the country, which is likely to persist for the next 24 to 36 hours.
Reviewing the weather on Sunday, April 28, similar conditions were reported with rain, windstorms, or thunderstorms occurring in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Punjab, northeast Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Notable rainfall was recorded in various regions, with Saidu Sharif in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa receiving up to 55 mm, and Muzaffarabad Airport in Kashmir noting 27 mm of rain.
Today’s highest recorded temperatures soared up to 41°C in Chhor, with other areas such as Shaheed Benazirabad, Mithi, and Mohenjo Daro not far behind at 40°C. Such fluctuating weather patterns indicate a tumultuous transition between seasonal extremes, reflecting broader changes in weather patterns across the region.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to follow safety guidelines issued in response to the weather warnings. Emergency services are on high alert, particularly in areas expected to experience the brunt of the storm, to provide necessary assistance and manage any adverse effects of the weather.
Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through regular updates from the PMD and local government authorities to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather conditions forecasted for April 29.
