PMD Forecasts Rain, Hail and Windstorms for Upper Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain, dust-thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms across the country’s upper regions from May 19 to May 23, warning that changing weather conditions may affect public movement, agriculture and vulnerable infrastructure. The advisory, issued from Rawalpindi, comes as parts of Pakistan continue to experience intense heat while a new weather system moves toward the northwest.

According to the forecast, a westerly wave was expected to approach northwestern Pakistan from the night of May 18 and remain active over upper parts of the country through Saturday. The system is likely to produce rain in intervals rather than continuous downpours, meaning some districts may face sudden spells of strong winds, lightning and short bursts of rainfall.

The areas expected to be affected include several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern and central Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the advisory covers Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Bannu and adjoining areas, among others.

Punjab and Islamabad are also likely to see unsettled weather, with Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal named in the forecast. The PMD also listed Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Astore, Diamir, Ghizer, Shigar and several parts of Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

Officials cautioned that windstorms and lightning during the forecast period may damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards and solar panels. The Met Office advised farmers to plan their field activities in line with the expected spell, particularly in districts where hail or strong gusts could affect crops, irrigation routines or harvesting schedules.

The advisory also noted that very hot weather is likely to continue in southern parts of the country in the coming days. Provincial and local authorities have been asked to remain alert and take preventive steps to avoid any untoward situation, especially in areas where extreme heat and sudden storm activity may occur within the same week.

For major urban centres such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Peshawar, the forecast could mean temporary relief from heat but also the possibility of traffic disruption, power interruptions and damage to roadside installations. Citizens in hilly and storm-prone regions may need to avoid open spaces during lightning, secure loose outdoor objects and stay updated through official weather bulletins.

Pakistan frequently experiences sharp weather shifts during the transition toward the summer monsoon season, when western disturbances can interact with hot and dry conditions over the plains. Such systems can bring useful rainfall for water-stressed areas, but they can also create hazards when strong winds, hail and lightning strike densely populated or poorly prepared locations.

The coming days will test coordination between weather authorities, district administrations, emergency responders and farming communities. If the system remains active as predicted, timely alerts and local preparedness will be essential to reduce risks while allowing residents and growers to benefit from the expected rainfall.