April 01, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 23, 1429

ISLAMABAD, March 31: Meteorological analysis suggests that a strong westerly weather system is likely to affect the country in the next couple of days and may continue intermittently for at least four days.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) here on Monday said under the influence of the system, upper parts of the country might receive widespread thunderstorm and rain, which at times could be heavy.

The Met department said widespread dust-thunderstorm/rains, at times heavy falls, are likely in upper Punjab from April 2 and will continue intermittently for four to five days. Scattered dust-thunderstorm/rain is also expected in southern Punjab.

In North West Frontier Province, widespread dust- thunderstorm/rain, at times heavy falls, are also likely in the most parts of the province.

Widespread thunderstorm/rain with a few heavy falls have been predicted in the Kashmir and Northern Areas, including the earthquake-affected areas. Isolated to scattered snowfall is also possible during the period.

The Met office warned that rains might generate landslides, avalanches in mountainous areas. Airlines operations in the Northern Areas during the period are also expected to be affected badly during the period.

In Balochistan, scattered dust-thunderstorm/rain is likely in northern and eastern parts of the province between the nights of April 2 and 3. Other parts of the province may receive dust and thunderstorm. Likewise, scattered dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in upper Sindh between the nights of April 2 and 3. Dust storm is also likely to hit the rest of the province.