The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued an advisory alert to all the federal and provincial departments concerned to ensure disaster preparedness measures after the met office issued a rain-thunderstorm forecast from May 22 to 26.
The NDMA advisory report said that the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that a westerly wave was likely to enter the western and upper parts of the country on May 22, which was likely to persist throughout the week i.e. till May 26, resulting in precipitation with occasional gaps.
Under the influence of this weather system, from May 22 (evening/night) to May 26, wind-dust/thunderstorm and rain with likely hailstorms (and isolated heavy falls) is expected in the regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Punjab.
In addition, from May 23 (evening/night) to May 26, the aforementioned weather to prevail in Sargodha, Mianwali, Layyah, Khushab, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Jhang, T.T. Singh, Sheikhupura, Nankana, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur, Pakpattan, Okara, Sahiwal, Lahore, R.Y. Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, D.G. Khan and Rajanpur and also in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
From May 22 (evening/night) to May 24, wind-dust or thunderstorm and rainfall is expected in Balochistan and Sindh.
In light of the forecast shared by PMD, the following specific impacts are expected namely heavy hailstorms or thunderstorms that could endanger lives (human & livestock) and property.
Dust storm/windstorm may cause damage to loose structures such as under-construction buildings, hoardings and tall trees etc.
Strong winds may cause damage to standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJ&K between May 23 to 25. High temperatures are likely to subside during the wet spell.
Tourists are advised to plan their activities accordingly, as heavy rainfall may induce/cause landslides/avalanches and disrupt traffic flow.
