ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms in several parts of upper Pakistan on October 6 and 7, following the expected entry of a westerly wave into the upper parts of the country.
According to the NDMA weather advisory issued on October 5, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that the weather system will enter the upper parts of the country during the night and is likely to persist until October 7.
In Islamabad, rain, wind and thunderstorms, along with isolated hailstorms, are expected at some places on October 6 and 7.
In Punjab, similar weather conditions are expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Faisalabad on October 6 and 7.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain, wind, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are expected from the night of October 5 until October 7 in areas including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan.
The advisory also covers parts of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, where rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms are expected on October 6 and 7. The affected areas include Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
In Balochistan, mainly hot and dry weather is expected, although rain, windstorms and thunderstorms may occur at isolated places in Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel on the evening or night of October 6. Mainly hot and dry weather is expected to continue in Sindh.
The NDMA warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, including roofs and walls of vulnerable houses, as well as electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels.
Daytime temperatures are also expected to fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius during the forecast period.
The authority advised farmers to plan crop-related activities according to the expected weather conditions and take necessary care of their livestock.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain alert, follow official weather updates and take precautions during thunderstorms, strong winds and hailstorms.
