Islamabad, October 22, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted thunderstorms in isolated areas of the upper parts of the country on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. According to the PMD, while most regions will experience dry weather, certain areas in the north are expected to see rain, wind, and thunderstorms.
The forecast specifically highlights that cloudy weather with rain-wind/thunderstorm activity is likely in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, and the Potohar region. The PMD attributed this weather pattern to a shallow westerly wave affecting the western and upper regions of the country.
For Tuesday, October 22, 2024, the PMD predicted mostly dry weather throughout the country, with only a few areas in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Potohar region expected to experience partly cloudy weather accompanied by rain and thunderstorms. This forecast reflects the overall dry spell dominating the country in recent weeks.
In its synoptic assessment, the PMD explained that the westerly wave moving across the upper regions is responsible for the predicted thunderstorm activity. These weather systems, common during the transitional months between summer and winter, can cause localized rain and thunderstorms, especially in northern and hilly areas.
The PMD advised residents of the affected areas to take precautionary measures, especially in areas prone to flash flooding or landslides, which can be triggered by sudden rain. Farmers in the northern regions were also advised to keep an eye on weather updates to avoid potential disruption to their activities.
According to the PMD’s report on weather during the past 24 hours, dry conditions prevailed across most parts of the country, although isolated rain and thunderstorms occurred in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Notable rainfall figures recorded include 4 mm in Malam Jabba and 1 mm in Drosh, highlighting the sporadic nature of the precipitation.
The department also reported the highest temperatures recorded on Tuesday, with several cities in Sindh and Balochistan experiencing maximum temperatures of 38°C. These cities include Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Lasbella, Sibbi, Tando Jam, Thatta, and Shaheed Benazirabad, reflecting the continuing heat in southern parts of the country even as northern regions brace for storms.
As the weather transitions, the PMD urges citizens in affected regions to stay updated on forecasts, especially those in areas vulnerable to severe weather, and to take appropriate safety precautions during storm conditions.