The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning for a significant windstorm expected to hit the southern regions of Pakistan on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
This alert comes alongside predictions for dry conditions across most parts of the country, with isolated rainfall and thunderstorms forecasted in the northern hilly areas and Kashmir.
According to the latest weather updates, most of Pakistan will experience dry weather on Tuesday, April 30. However, a few areas in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir are likely to face rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms, with occasional hailstorms in isolated locations.
The PMD attributes these conditions to a trough of westerly wave currently influencing the upper parts of the country. This system is expected to persist for the next 12 to 18 hours, influencing weather patterns across these regions.
The past 24 hours have seen varied weather conditions across Pakistan. Rainfall accompanied by windstorms and thunderstorms was recorded in regions including Kashmir, upper and central Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Meanwhile, the rest of the country has been grappling with hot and dry weather conditions.
Significant rainfall was reported in multiple areas: Lahore recorded 18 mm at the city station and 12 mm at the airport, while Sialkot city and airport both reported around 12-14 mm of rain. Other parts of Punjab such as Gujranwala and Gujrat received between 5 and 9 mm. In Kashmir, Kotli saw 12 mm, while Muzaffarabad recorded lower amounts at the city and airport. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan also experienced light to moderate showers in several areas.
The recorded highest maximum temperatures reached up to 42°C in Mithi, while Thatta, Dadu, and Chhor also experienced highs of 41°C. These temperatures reflect the onset of typical pre-monsoon weather conditions in the region, marked by intermittent rain and storm activities interspersed with periods of intense heat.
As the windstorm approaches, the PMD advises residents in the southern parts of Pakistan to take necessary precautions. The expected gusty winds could lead to disruptions such as falling trees, flying debris, and temporary power outages. Residents are urged to secure outdoor objects and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm to prevent accidents and injuries.
Local authorities in the affected areas are preparing emergency response measures, including readiness of disaster management teams and clearing of drainage systems to handle any potential flash floods that might accompany the storm.
Citizens are also advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories issued by the PMD through their website and media broadcasts. This will ensure that individuals and communities remain prepared and can respond effectively to the changing weather conditions.
Overall, while southern Pakistan braces for the windstorm, the rest of the country should remain vigilant regarding the dry conditions and sporadic thunderstorm activities, particularly in the northern and central regions. The PMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
