Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Across Pakistan from May 1 as Heatwave Weakens

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a change in weather from May 1 to May 4, bringing rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms to several regions of the country. The ongoing heatwave is expected to cool down during this time.

Weather Shift Expected from April 30

A westerly weather system is likely to move into northern Pakistan on the evening of April 30. Along with it, moist air currents will enter northeast Punjab starting May 1, triggering a spell of rain and thunderstorms.

Areas Likely to Receive Rain and Thunderstorms

The following regions are expected to be affected by heavy rain, windstorms, and hail:

• Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Kotli, Haveli, Bagh, Bhimber, Sudhanoti, Hattian, and Mirpur.

• Punjab (North and Central): Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sahiwal, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali.

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Khyber, Peshawar, Mardan.

• Gilgit-Baltistan: Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, Ghanche, and Shigar.

These areas may see intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms from April 30 night until May 4, with occasional breaks.

Duststorms in Southern and Western Regions

From the night of May 2 to May 5, duststorms and light thunderstorms are likely in:

• Southern Punjab: Multan, DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar.

• Sindh: Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Umerkot, Khairpur, Tharparkar.

• Balochistan: Zhob, Khuzdar, Musakhel, Barkhan.

PMD Issues Safety Advisory

The PMD has warned that strong winds, hail, and lightning may damage:

• Power poles

• Trees

• Solar panels

• Vehicles

• Other fragile structures

People are advised to stay indoors during storms, avoid open areas, and secure loose items.

Farmers Urged to Plan Ahead

Farmers, especially those in the wheat harvesting season, should take weather risks into account and adjust crop activities accordingly.

Authorities Asked to Stay Alert

All local departments and emergency services have been told to stay prepared and take precautionary steps to avoid any emergencies during this weather shift.