‘Strongest winds’ set to hit Islamabad in next 48 hours

More dust-thunderstorm, rain likely in most parts of Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A severe weather system is entering the country any time after midnight on Tuesday, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration said in a “red-alert” issued on receiving a warning from the Met Office.

“Strongest winds in seven years with heavy rains and hails are expected for 48 hours. Please take all precautions. Cover your cars and avoid unusual exposure. ICT Administration will remain vigilant,” it maintained.

The ICT administration also called a meeting of all stakeholders on Wednesday in this regard while putting heath institutions and disaster management organisations on high alert.

“There is no need to panic, however it's better to be prepared.”

Meanwhile, dust-thunderstorms, gusty weather followed by rains at various places is expected to prevail in isolated places throughout the country in the next 24 hours.



“More widespread dust-thunderstorm and rain accompanied by gusty winds are expected in Punjab, Islamabad, Kashmir and at scattered places in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while at isolated places in Quetta, Zhob, Sibbi, Kalat, Sukkur, Larkana divisions and Gilgit Baltistan,” the Met Office said in a statement earlier in the day.

“Hailstorm is also expected at few places during the period. Isolated heavy falls are also expected in Malakand, Hazara divisions and Kashmir,” it added.

The same weather is likely to prevail at scattered places in Gujranwala division, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Malakand, Hazara, Mardan, Rawalpindi divisions, Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan during this time span.

"Hot and dry weather is expected elsewhere in the country whereas the highest temperatures have been recorded in Mithi and Tandojam with mercury touching 35°C," the weather report said.

During the past 24 hours, dust-thunderstorm and rain with gusty winds continued to lash Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, isolated places in Hyderabad, Sukkur divisions, Islamabad, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.



With additional input from APP