Islamabad, May 2, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast for potential windstorms in south Punjab and upper Sindh set to occur on Friday, May 3, 2024.
The advisory extends to a broader weather disturbance across the region, including isolated rain and thunderstorms expected in several parts of the country.
According to the PMD’s latest bulletin, gusty winds accompanied by windstorms are particularly likely in south Punjab and upper Sindh during the evening and night of May 3. The department has advised residents in these areas to prepare for sudden weather changes and potential disruptions.
The forecast also mentions isolated rain with windstorm or thunderstorm likely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and the Pothohar region on the same day. While the majority of the country will experience mainly dry conditions on Thursday, there are anticipations of gusty winds in Sindh and south Balochistan.
Explaining the current atmospheric conditions, the PMD stated that continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country. Furthermore, a shallow westerly wave is expected to enter the western parts of Balochistan tonight and will likely affect the upper parts of the country on May 3, contributing to the unusual weather patterns.
Over the past 24 hours, Pakistan has seen predominantly dry weather, with temperatures soaring in the southern regions. Today’s recorded maximum temperatures saw Mithi hitting a scorching 42 degrees Celsius, while Sukkar, Jacobabad, Dadu, and Lasbella each recorded 41 degrees Celsius.
Residents and local authorities in the affected areas are being urged to take precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the expected windstorms. The PMD recommends securing loose objects, avoiding unnecessary travel during storm periods, and staying informed through regular weather updates.
Emergency services across Punjab and Sindh are on alert, preparing to respond to any incidents resulting from the severe weather conditions. Local governments are also making preparations to ensure the safety and security of their residents, including the readying of emergency shelters and the deployment of rapid response teams.
This weather alert comes at a time when Pakistan is already dealing with varying climate challenges across different regions, highlighting the growing unpredictability and severity of weather patterns, likely exacerbated by broader climatic changes globally.
The PMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents in the mentioned regions are advised to follow the PMD’s forecasts and heed any advice or instructions from local authorities.
