The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday predicted rain, wind, and thunderstorms, along with isolated hailstorms, in the upper and central parts of the country from the weekend with occasional gaps.

According to a press release issued by the PMD, a westerly wave is likely to enter upper parts of the country from Saturday and is likely to persist till Oct 15.

Under the influence of the weather system, rain-windstorms and thunderstorms with isolated hailstorms are expected in the upper and central regions, including Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and the Islamabad region.

According to the Met Office, these storms are expected at “isolated places” in Kashmir’s Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, as well as GB’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, from Oct 10-15 with occasional gaps.

In KP, they are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan for the same duration.

The PMD forecast the same rain-windstorms, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Faisalabad from Oct 10-11 and 13-14, with occasional gaps.

It added that they were also expected in Multan, Layyah, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan and Khanewal on Oct 10-11 and 13.

The press release forecast “mainly hot and dry weather” in Balochistan, but predicted rain-wind and thunderstorms in isolated places in Zhob, Barkhan and Musakhel on Oct 10-11 and 13.

“Mainly hot and dry weather is likely to continue” in Sindh in the coming days, the PMD added.

The Met Office warned of the potential impacts of the weather system, noting that wind, hail and lightning could damage weak structures such as electric poles, solar panels, and the roofs or walls of kaccha houses during the forecast period. It also warned that hail might damage standing crops in the plains of Punjab and KP.

The PMD also noted the possibility of light snowfall over high mountains and glaciers and added that daytime temperatures were likely to drop by 2-4 degrees Celsius during the forecast period.

“Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities keeping in view the weather conditions,” it said.

The Met Office further advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.

Earlier this week, heavy rains, strong winds and thunderstorms, with isolated hailstorms, were predicted in the upper parts of the country for Tuesday and Wednesday.

A fresh spell of rain hit the country last month, particularly affecting Rawalpindi as inundated roads and knee-deep water at certain points exposed the city’s poor drainage system.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi received another burst of heavy rain at the end of September, with civic departments in the garrison city placed on high alert.

Earlier that month, KP also witnessed rain as heavy downpours lashed Mohmand, damaging and flooding roads and creating difficulties for residents. Rain coupled with strong winds and dust had also damaged vegetable and maize crops in Bajaur district, but no casualties were reported.