In a good news for people facing scorching heat, the Pakistan Meteorological Department on Monday predicted rains in upper and western parts of the country from today (Monday). 

According to the meteorological department, westerly wave will enter the country on Monday evening/night. Under the influence of this westerly wave, federal capital Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir could experience rains from Monday to Friday (May 22-26). 

The department said that in Balochistan, there was a possibility of rain with dusty winds blowing in Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Kech and Panjgur, while the weather would remain hot and dry in other districts of the province. 

Islamabad, Murree, Guliyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal are likely to receive rain with gusty winds. Hailstorm is also expected at a few places. 

The PMD said the westerly wave was likely to enter the western and upper parts of the country on May 22, which was likely to persist throughout the week i.e. till May 26, resulting in precipitation with occasional gaps. 

Under the influence of this weather system, from May 22 (evening/night) to May 26, wind-dust/thunderstorm and rain with likely hailstorms (and isolated heavy falls) is expected in the regions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Punjab.

In addition, from May 23 (evening/night) to May 26, the aforementioned weather will prevail in Sargodha, Mianwali, Layyah, Khushab, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Jhang, T.T. Singh, Sheikhupura, Nankana Saheb, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur, Pakpattan, Okara, Sahiwal, Lahore, R.Y. Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, D.G. Khan and Rajanpur and also in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

On behalf of the department, all organisations concerned have been instructed to remain alert. There is a fear of damage to standing crops and weak structures in Punjab, Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

According to the department, the maximum temperature was recorded in Quetta at 35, Kalat at 30, Jeoni at 33, Gwadar at 34, Nokundi at 43, Turbat at 42 and Sibi at 47.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an advisory alert to all the federal and provincial departments concerned to ensure disaster preparedness measures after the Met office issued a rain-thunderstorm forecast from May 22 to 26. 

In the light of the forecast shared by the PMD, the following specific impacts are expected namely heavy hailstorms or thunderstorms that could endanger lives (human & livestock) and property. 

Dust storm/windstorm may cause damage to loose structures such as under-construction buildings, hoardings and tall trees etc. Strong winds may cause damage to standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJ&K between May 23 and 25. High temperatures are likely to subside during the wet spell.

Tourists are advised to plan their activities accordingly, as heavy rainfall may induce/cause landslides/avalanches and disrupt traffic flow. General public is advised to remain in safe places during the dust/wind/thunderstorm.

As per the advisory, all provincial, GB, and state disaster management authorities (PDMAs/GBDMA/SDMA respectively) and ICT Administration, NHA, NH&MP, FWO, Rescue 1122, Line Departments, Ministries and Federal Agencies are required to undertake measures as per respective mandates. 

Farmers (Crops and Livestock). Ensure adequate awareness for farmers and cattle/sheep herders regarding adverse impacts on standing crops and livestock. 

Farmers are to be advised to take all necessary mitigative and precautionary measures to safeguard their crops, i.e. timely harvesting, safe storage or any other precaution from adverse effects of thunderstorms/hailstorms.

Cattle/sheep herders are to be advised to undertake necessary mitigative and precautionary measures to protect their livestock, i.e. safe sheltering or any other precaution from adverse effects of thunderstorms/hailstorms.

Travellers on Provincial & National Highways in at-risk/affected areas be forewarned of adverse conditions and be guided towards/detoured to safe waiting areas under the guidance of respective PDMAs, Local Authorities, NH&MP, LEAs etc. 

In light of possible high flows in seasonal nullahs, law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) ensure the regulation of level crossing points and diversion of traffic in coordination with local administrations/ DDMAs and NHA and FWO.