RAWALPINDI: As the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are in the grip of winds and occasional rains, the meteorological department has predicted more rain and dust storms in several areas of the country.

It is expected in upper and central parts of the country during the next week with occasional gaps. Temperature is likely to remain normal to below normal during the next week.

According to the Met Office, another westerly wave is likely to enter western and upper parts of the country on May 28 (Sunday) and likely to persist till May 31 (Wednesday).Under the influence of this weather system, wind-dust-thunderstorm/rain is expected in Balochistan (Quetta, Zhob, Barkhan, Qilla Saifullah, Qillah Abdullah, Chaman, Pishin, Noshki, Naseerabad, Kalat, Lasbella, Khuzdar and Sibbi), Sindh (Sukkur, Dadu, Karachi, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur and Larkana), Punjab (Layyah, Bhakkar, D.G khan, Rajanpur, Raheem Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, Multan, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Okara and Pakpattan) on May 28 (evening/night) and May 30.

Wind-dust/thunderstorm-rain with a few hailstorms (isolated heavy falls) is expected in Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur), Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Bannu, Tank, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Islamabad, Murree, Galliyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana, Mandi Bahauddin, Khushab, Mianwali, Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur, Lahore and Jhelum from May 28 (evening/night) to May 31 with occasional gaps.

The weather advisory stated that dust storm/wind storm may cause damage to lose structures and standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh and Kashmir during May 28 to 30.It advised farmers to remain cautious during the forecast period and tourists to plan their activities according to weather updates.

It asked people to stay in safe places during the dust storm/wind-thunderstorm while civic authorities are particularly advised to remain alert during the forecast period.

Published in Dawn, May 27TH, 2023