RAWALPINDI: Day temperatures are likely to soar this week; however, Met Office forecast rain/thunderstorm in northern parts of the country from May 10 to May 12.

The day temperatures are likely to increase due to high pressure in the upper atmosphere particularly in the southern half of the country.

However, it added, a westerly wave was likely to enter western parts of the country on May 10 (evening/night) and likely to grip upper parts on May 11. Under the influence of this weather system, day temperatures are likely to remain 3-5°C centigrade above normal from May 8 to 10 in Islamabad and different parts of Punjab.

Rain-duststorm/thunderstorm is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Pakpattan and Sahiwal. Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places during the period.

In Balochistan, day temperatures are likely to remain 3-5°C above normal from May 8 to 10. Rain-duststorm/thunderstorm is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Kalat, Khuzdar, Qilla Saifullah, Kohlu and Mastung on May 10 (evening/night) and May 11. Duststorm/thunsrestorm is also expected in Kharan, Chagi and Panjgur during the period.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, day temperatures are likely to remain 2-3°C above normal from May 8 to 10. Rain-duststorm/thunderstorm is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Kurram from May 10 (night) to May 12 (morning). Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places during the period.

In Gilgit-Baltistan/Kashmir, day temperatures are also likely to remain 3-5°C above normal from May 8 to May 10. Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar, in Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

In Sindh, day temperatures are likely to remain 3-5°C above normal from May 8 to 10. Dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Dadu, Qambar Shahdad Kot, Jamshoro and Sanghar.

The Met Office advised farmers to manage the watering of crops and wheat harvesting accordingly. It asked people to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight. Windstorm/hailstorm and lightning may affect daily routines, standing crops, loose structures like electric poles, vehicles and solar panels during the period.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2024