PMD predicts rains at weekend amid soaring temperatures

Source: The Nation

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast increase in the day temperatures during the next few days due to high pressure in the upper atmosphere in most parts of the country particularly in the southern half of the country.

However, a westerly wave was likely to enter western parts of the country on May 10(evening/night) and likely to grip the upper parts on May 11. Under the influence of this weather system, day temperatures are likely to remain 03-05 degrees Celsius above normal in Balochistan from May 08-10.

Rain-duststorm/thunderstorm is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Qilla Saifullah, Kohlu and Mastung on May 10 (evening/night) and May 11. Duststorms/thunderstorm is also expected in Kharan, Chagi and Panjgur during the period.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, day temperatures are likely to remain 02-03 degree celsius above normal from May 08-10. Rain-duststorm/thunderstorm is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Kurram from May 10(night) to May 12(morning). Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places during the period.

In Gilgit-Baltistan/Kashmir, day temperatures are likely to remain 03-05 degree celsius above normal from May 08-10. Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur on May 11 and May 12.

In Punjab/Islamabad, day temperatures are likely to remain 03-05 celsius above normal from May 08-10. Rain-duststorm/thunderstorm is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Pakpattan and Sahiwal from May 10 (night) to May 12. While, in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Kot Addu, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar on May 10 and May 11. Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places during the period.

In Sindh, day temperatures are likely to remain 03-05 degree celsius above normal from May 08-10. Dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Dadu, Qambar Shahdad Kot, Jamshoro and Sanghar on May 10 (night) and May 11.

Regarding the possible impacts, the PMD has advised the farmers to manage the watering of crops and wheat harvesting accordingly. The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight. Soaring temperatures conditions are likely to subside during the wet days. Windstorms/hailstorms and lightning may affect daily routines, standing crops, and loose structures like electric poles, vehicles, solar panels etc during the period. All concerned authorities are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Tuesday issued advisory for the general public and relevant departments to observe diligence and care during the ongoing week due to light to moderate increase in temperature and rainy weather forecast at the weekend by the Met Office.

The NDMA in its advisory issued here mentioned that as per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) the daytime temperatures were likely to see light to moderate increase, due to high pressure in the upper atmosphere in most parts of the country particularly in southern half of the country.

However, a westerly wave is likely to enter western parts of the country from May 10 and likely to grip upper parts on May 12 that might result into heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, hailstorm and windstorm.

It said the temperature is likely to be three to five degrees Celsius higher than normal during May 8-10 in most parts of the country.

"A possible rise in temperature may lead to heat wave conditions. People should take necessary precautions to avoid heat wave, and avoid unnecessary travel, whereas livestock owners should take protective measures for their livestock during extreme heat," it added.

From May 10, there is a possibility of rain with wind, hail and thunderstorm in different parts of the country, whereas farmers should make their routines according to the weather conditions.