Rain forecast issued for northern Pakistan as new weather system approaches

A fresh spell of rain and gusty winds is expected to bring relief across parts of Pakistan starting Wednesday, following a stretch of intense heat.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the weather system is set to enter the country on May 28, likely affecting the northern areas of Pakistan.

A change in weather is anticipated from Thursday, with scattered rain and strong winds forecast in various areas.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), most districts will remain dry and warm, though isolated showers and hailstorms are possible in areas including Chitral, Swat, Dir, Malakand, Shangla, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, Khyber, and North Waziristan.

Cloudy skies and thunderstorms are also forecast for Mansehra, Abbottabad, Batagram, Tor Ghar, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Hangu, Mardan, Charsadda, and Swabi. Dust storms and hail are likely in the plains.

On Monday, Peshawar recorded a high of 38°C, Dera Ismail Khan 40°C, Chitral 34°C, Dir 33°C, Swat and Mingora 35°C, Kalam 27°C, and Malam Jabba 22°C

Severe thunderstorms sweeping across Punjab have killed at least 13 people and injured 92 others, according to an initial damage assessment issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday.

Last week, The powerful storm system triggered multiple weather-related incidents across the province. Fatalities were reported in several districts including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Sialkot, the PDMA confirmed.

Most casualties occurred due to the collapse of dilapidated buildings or people being present in unsafe locations during the storm, the agency said. Several mud-brick and poorly constructed homes sustained significant damage.

Meanwhile the ongoing heatwave continues to affect large parts of Pakistan, with Sindh facing some of the most extreme temperatures this week.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast scorching and dry conditions across the province for at least the next two days. Temperatures are expected to peak at 46°C in cities such as Mithi and Badin, while Jacobabad and Dhalbandin may reach up to 45°C.

Elsewhere in the country, the heatwave is also taking a toll, particularly across the plains of Punjab and Balochistan.

Afternoon dust storms and strong winds are likely to affect parts of Sindh and Balochistan, especially in Jacobabad, Shikarpur, and Dadu.