Dust-thunderstorm/rain expected in upper parts during coming days: PMD

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dust-thunderstorm and rain from May 19 till May 23 with occasional gaps in upper parts of the country, bringing temporary relief from the prevailing very hot weather conditions in northern areas.

While southern and central regions are likely to continue experiencing intense heat.

According to the Met Office, a westerly wave entered the northwestern parts of the country on Monday night is likely to persist in upper parts till May 23.

Under the influence of this weather system, dust-thunderstorm/rain accompanied by isolated hailstorms is expected in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Khyber, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Karak from May 19 to May 23 with occasional gaps.

In Punjab and Islamabad, dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Joharabad, Bhakkar, Layyah, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot and Narowal during the forecast period.

Similarly, rain-wind/thunderstorm activity is likely in Gilgit-Baltistan districts including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, while various areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur are also expected to receive rain with gusty winds and thunderstorms till May 23 with occasional gaps.

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The PMD warned that windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures including electric poles, billboards and solar panels during the forecast period.

It further cautioned that moderate to isolated heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during the coming days.

Farmers have been advised to manage their agricultural activities in accordance with the dust storm and rainfall prediction.

Tourists and travelers were urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travelling during the forecast period due to possible adverse weather conditions in hilly and vulnerable areas.

The Met Office said very hot weather is likely to continue in southern parts of the country in the coming days despite temporary relief in upper regions.

It advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.