A new spell of rain and strong winds is expected to bring relief to parts of Pakistan starting Wednesday, following a period of intense heat. The Pakistan Meteorological Department says the weather system will enter the country on May 28 and is likely to affect the northern areas.
From Thursday, the weather is expected to change with scattered rain and strong winds in different regions. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, most districts will stay dry and warm, but some areas like Chitral, Swat, Dir, Malakand, Shangla, Kurram, Orakzai, Bajaur, Khyber, and North Waziristan may experience isolated showers and hailstorms.
Cloudy skies and thunderstorms are expected in Mansehra, Abbottabad, Batagram, Tor Ghar, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Hangu, Mardan, Charsadda, and Swabi. Dust storms and hail are likely to hit the plains as well.
On Monday, temperatures in major cities were recorded as follows: Peshawar 38°C, Dera Ismail Khan 40°C, Chitral 34°C, Dir 33°C, Swat and Mingora 35°C, Kalam 27°C, and Malam Jabba 22°C.
In Punjab, severe thunderstorms have caused at least 13 deaths and injured 92 people, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
The storm last week led to several weather-related incidents in districts like Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Sialkot. Most of the deaths happened when old buildings collapsed or people were caught in unsafe places during the storm. Many mud-brick and poorly built homes were badly damaged.
Meanwhile, the ongoing heatwave continues to affect much of Pakistan, especially in Sindh where temperatures have been extremely high. The Meteorological Department expects hot and dry weather to continue in the province for the next two days. Cities like Mithi and Badin may see temperatures up to 46°C, while Jacobabad and Dhalbandin could reach 45°C.
The heatwave is also affecting the plains of Punjab and Balochistan. Afternoon dust storms and strong winds are expected in parts of Sindh and Balochistan, especially in Jacobabad, Shikarpur, and Dadu.
