Rain, windstorms forecast across country till May 4

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain and windstorms across the country from tonight until May 4, with westerly winds expected to persist in most regions until May 5.

According to officials, intermittent rain accompanied by gusty winds is likely in the upper and central parts of the country, including Islamabad, where occasional showers have been predicted.

Rain is also expected in several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan, as well as in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. In Sindh, light to moderate rain is likely in Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned of thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hailstorms in the upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between May 2 and May 4, including Chitral, Swat, Dir, Shangla, and Abbottabad.

Heavy rain and windstorms are also expected in Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, and surrounding districts, raising concerns about urban flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous regions.

In Punjab, the weather in Lahore remained hot with temperatures recorded at 30°C and humidity around 50%, though rain is expected later in the day.

Meanwhile, PDMA Sindh has issued an alert for dust storms in the upper parts of the province. Director General Salman Shah said strong winds could damage weak infrastructure such as electricity poles, billboards, and solar panels.

Authorities added that the incoming weather system is likely to reduce the ongoing heatwave in plain areas. Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures, while district administrations have been directed to remain on high alert to handle any emergency.