ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of fresh rains and thunderstorms in central and upper parts of the country on May 2-4, urging the masses to exercise caution during this period to avoid any losses.
A fresh westerly wave is likely to approach northwestern parts of the country on May 2 and is expected to persist in upper parts till May 5, according to a PMD advisory.
Under the influence of this weather system, rain, dust-, thunder- or hailstorm are expected in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan provinces as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
“Windstorm/hailstorm and lightning may damage weak structures (electric poles, bill boards, solar panels etc.) during the forecast period,” the PMD said in the advisory issued Friday evening.
“Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on 03rd and 04th May.”
Storms may damage standing crops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab, according to the PMD.
“Farmers are advised to manage their crops according to the prevailing weather conditions,” it said.
“Tourists and travelers are advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary traveling during the forecast period.”
The authority said the prevailing “very hot” weather condition over the plain areas is likely to subside during the forecast period.
Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and has faced increasingly frequent extreme weather events, including heavy rains, floods, heatwaves, cyclones and droughts, in recent years.
Torrential rains battered several parts of Pakistan in late March and early April, with the nationwide death toll in rain-related incidents crossing 80.
