MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The weather is set to take a turn once again in Pakistan’s upper regions, as a fresh westerly system is expected to enter the country on the evening or night of May 19, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Under the influence of this system, heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail is likely to hit various areas, including Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, the Potohar region, northeastern Punjab, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan over the next 48 hours.
According to meteorologists, the incoming weather will bring relief from the heat wave experienced in various parts of the country lately. The rains will help reduce the temperatures and make the environment comfortable.
However, experts have also raised concerns about possible damage in certain areas, especially to crops and weak infrastructure, owing to the high activity of the weather.
This system is expected to offer temporary relief amid soaring temperatures observed in recent days across many regions of Pakistan.
As of now, the weather situation in Pakistan has seen a significant rise in temperatures being reported across the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning, stating that most regions will remain under the grip of intense heat throughout the current week.
According to the PMD, areas including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), southern Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan are likely to experience temperatures 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, conditions that qualify as a heatwave.
Officials have also expressed concern about how hotter temperatures are affecting the upper areas, with the fear being that accelerated melting of snow may cause water levels in rivers to increase, thus increasing the risk of floods in certain areas.
Health experts have also advised the public to take precautions because they feel heat extremes can have serious health implications, particularly for children, the elderly, expecting women and individuals who suffer from chronic diseases.
