The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a weather alert forecasting dust storms, strong winds, and rainfall in most districts of Punjab from May 27 to May 31.

According to a PDMA spokesperson, rain accompanied by gusty winds is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala. Rainfall is also likely in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, and Mianwali.

In South Punjab, intermittent rain is forecast in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar from May 27 to 30. The district administrations have been alerted on the directions of the Punjab Chief Minister.

Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said the upcoming rainfall would likely bring relief from the ongoing heatwave. He added that relevant departments, including School Education, Health, Irrigation, Communication and Works, Local Government, and Livestock, had been put on alert.

The PDMA has advised citizens to stay in safe shelters during lightning and stormy weather and avoid venturing outdoors under open skies. In case of emergency, the public has been urged to contact PDMA’s helpline at 1129.

NDMA issues advisory as severe weather conditions are expected in parts of country

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued an advisory covering the expected weather conditions from May 27 to June 1. The advisory predicts strong winds, thunderstorms, rainfall, and possible hailstorms in various parts of the country.

According to the NDMA, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected in Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the advisory period. In Punjab, rain is likely in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sialkot, and Sahiwal. In South Punjab, light rain and strong winds are expected in Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Muzaffargarh from May 27 to 29.

The alert also states that thunderstorms and rain are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Balochistan may experience thunderstorms and rain from May 27 to 29.

Heavy rain, hailstorms, and potential landslides have been forecast for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The NDMA has warned that torrential rains in mountainous areas could trigger landslides.