MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a weather alert for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and other parts of the country, warning of unpredictable weather conditions from Thursday through May 5. According to the advisory, AJK is expected to receive rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms during this period. Authorities have advised residents to stay cautious and take necessary precautions.
In addition to Azad Kashmir, the weather alert extends to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, northeast Punjab, and northeast Balochistan. The NDMA emphasised that certain districts in Sindh could also face similar weather conditions.
All relevant departments and local administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure preparations are in place to handle any emergencies caused by the changing weather.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), moist currents are currently entering the upper and central regions of the country. A shallow westerly wave is also expected to approach the western parts of Pakistan by Thursday evening or night.
Under these conditions, rain, gusty winds, heavy falls, and isolated hailstorms are likely to affect Muzaffarabad and other parts of AJK, along with the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and areas of the Potohar region, northeast and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir.
The PMD added that these weather conditions will persist on Thursday evening and night, and continue through Friday and Saturday with occasional gaps. Isolated rainfall and gusty winds may also occur in southern Punjab and northeastern Balochistan.
The department warned that the combination of rain, hailstorms, strong winds, and lightning could potentially damage electric poles, solar panels, vehicles, and trees.
In Islamabad, temperatures are expected to range between 36°C and 38°C on Friday, and between 35°C and 37°C on Saturday. In Rawalpindi, maximum temperatures are predicted to stay between 35°C and 37°C on Friday, and between 34°C and 36°C on Saturday.
Over the past 24 hours, hot and dry conditions prevailed across the twin cities and much of the country, particularly the southern half. Nawabshah, Mohenjo-Daro, Sakrand, and Sibbi were the hottest locations, with temperatures soaring to 48°C. Dadu, Khairpur, Padidan, Mithi, Khanpur, and Jacobabad recorded highs of 47°C.
Islamabad experienced a maximum temperature of 38°C with 59 per cent morning humidity, while Rawalpindi recorded 37°C with 43 per cent humidity. The NDMA reiterated its call for vigilance and preparedness in response to this extended weather alert.
