Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain-windstorm/thunderstorm for Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, south Punjab and upper Sindh during the next 24 hours. Partly cloudy weather with rain-windstorm/thunderstorm is expected at isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas. The PMD has warned that isolated/moderate to heavy rainfall may generate flash flood in local nullahs, streams of Balochistan specially in Noushki, Chagai, Kharan, Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Awaran, Ziarat, Pishin, Harnai, Zhob, Barkhan and Naseerabad from 25th to 27th April. Isolated/moderate to heavy rainfall may generate flash flood in local nullahs, streams of Dir, Swat, Chitral, Manshera, Kohistan and Kashmir on April 27 and April 28. The possibility of landslides in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan may affect the vulnerable locations from April 27- The Met Office said that windstorm/hailstorm and lightning may affect human lives, standing crops, loose structures like electric poles, vehicles and solar panels etc.

during the period. According to the synoptic situation, a westerly wave was affecting western parts of the country and likely to grip most upper andcentral parts on April 26. During the last 24 hours, dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while hot in southern parts. However, rain-wind/thunderstorm occurred at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas. According to a PDMA spokesperson there are chances of gusty wind, rain with thunder and hails at a few places in Punjab from Wednesday till April 29. PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia has issued instructions to the deputy commissioners across the Punjab province to remain alert. Kathia said that departments concerned should be on alert to deal with any emergency situation. The district emergency operation centers of all districts including the provincial control room have also been alerted. Monitoring of the situation in the PDMA control room continues 24/7. Rescue 1122 and other rescue agencies must keep the machinery and personnel alert, he added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan