Rains, strong winds to hit Punjab

A sudden shift in weather conditions has prompted authorities across Punjab to issue emergency advisories and intensify precautionary measures, as strong winds, dust storms and rain are expected to affect large parts of the province over the next two days.

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a province-wide alert warning that weather conditions could deteriorate from Sunday evening through May 12, with forecasts indicating windstorms, thunderstorms and scattered rainfall in several districts, including Lahore.

The warning comes amid an ongoing heatwave that has pushed temperatures well above seasonal averages across central and southern parts of the country.

According to the advisory, rain and gusty winds are expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Gujrat, Khushab and Mandi Bahauddin. Similar conditions are also forecast for Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara and Dera Ghazi Khan, among other areas.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said a fresh westerly weather system is currently affecting the upper parts of the country, increasing the likelihood of thunderstorms, isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms in northern and upper regions.

Meteorologists said most parts of Pakistan are likely to remain hot and dry on Sunday and Monday.