National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a rain and thunderstorm alert for different parts of the country during the next 12 to 24 hours in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan. According to NDMA, several upper and northern regions may experience rain with strong winds and thunderstorms. Islamabad and surrounding areas are likely to remain partly cloudy with chances of strong winds and thunderstorms, while hail may also occur at a few locations. 

In Punjab, most districts will continue to experience hot and dry weather, southern and central areas may face dust storms and strong winds. Cities including Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Gujar Khan, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, Layyah, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Lahore are expected to receive scattered rain along with possible hail. In upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, conditions will remain partly cloudy, with rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms expected in areas such as Chitral, Swat, Abbottabad, and Peshawar. 

Sindh will remain under severe hot and dry conditions across most regions. In Balochistan, southern areas are also expected to experience intense heat, although light rain may occur in Zhob, Loralai, and nearby areas. Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also likely to remain partly cloudy with chances of rain at some places and hail. The National Disaster Management Authority advised citizens to adopt precautionary measures against heavy winds, which may damage solar panels, poorly constructed buildings, and vehicles. 

The NDMA further advised citizens not to travel unnecessarily and stay in safe and secure locations during the rainy, thunderstorm season. Met Office Deputy Director Anjum Nazir Zaigham has said that Karachi’s temperature is likely to reach 43 degrees centigrade while the current temperature of the city is 41 degrees centigrade. The humidity in the air is 48 percent, and there is no chance of rain in the City. He said that Sindh will remain in a severe heatwave.  He said that after May 13, 2025, the temperature will further rise in Karachi. He advised the citizens to adopt precautionary measures during the season.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)