• Westerly wave to hit northwest from today through May 5; dust storms, heavy rain, hail forecast across KP, Punjab, Islamabad
• GB, Kashmir face landslide risks; parts of Balochistan, upper Sindh likely to receive dust storms and showers
• PDMA asks district administrations across Punjab to stay vigilant
• Sindh swelters above 46°C as heatwave expected to persist

RAWALPINDI/LAHORE/KARACHI: Pakistan is confronting a stark weather dichotomy this week, as a severe heatwave scorches southern parts of the country while central and northern regions brace for widespread dust storms, rain, and potential landslides triggered by an incoming weather system.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced that a fresh westerly wave is expected to approach the northwestern parts of the country on the evening of Saturday (today) and persist in upper regions until May 5.

In sharp contrast, extreme heat has gripped much of Sindh. In Karachi, maximum temperature may go up to 39 degrees Celsius over the weekend, according to Chief Meteorologist Ameer Hyder.

Across the large swathes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the fresh westerly weather system is forecast to bring dust-thunderstorms and rain, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms. Areas to be affected from Saturday evening till Monday include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Pesha­war, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Khyber, Swabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and Waziristan

In Punjab and the federal capital, a similar weather pattern is forecast for the same period. “Dust-thunderstorm/rain with isolated hailstorm is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Islam­abad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Sargodha, Mian­wali, Bhakkar, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal,” the department said.

Southern Punjab districts, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Rajanpur, may see rain-windstorms on May 3 and May 4.

The approaching system is also set to impact Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from the night of May 2 until May 5, bringing rain and wind-thunderstorms to regions such as Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Neelum valley, and Muzaffarabad.

Parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Ziarat, and Zhob, are expecting windstorms and thunderstorms from May 2 to May 4, while a dust thunderstorm is predicted for upper Sindh on May 2 and May 3.

PDMA issues alert

In response to the forecast, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab issued an alert, directing the deputy commissioners of all respective districts to remain vigilant to address any “untoward situation” during and after the rains.

Both the PMD and PDMA have issued specific warnings and advisories. Authorities cautioned that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning could damage weak structures such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels.

Landslides are also a concern in the “vulnerable areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir on May 3 and May 4”.

Farmers have been advised to manage their crops according to the weather conditions, as hailstorms and windstorms pose a threat to standing crops, particularly in KP and upper Punjab.

Furthermore, tourists and travellers were advised to “remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travelling” during the forecast period. All concerned authorities have been instructed to remain on high alert and take necessary measures to prevent any loss of life or property.

This forecast stands in stark contrast to the conditions in the country’s south.

Sindh districts sizzle at 46.5°C

Extreme heat has gripped much of Sindh, with the PMD reporting that the cities of Shaheed Benazirabad, Sakr­and and Dadu topped the heat charts at 46.5 degrees Celsius, up to 4.3 degrees above normal.

In Hyderabad, temperatures reached 45.7°C, more than four degrees above average. Jacobabad hit 45°C.

Officials warned that the persistent heatwave could continue and urged residents to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.

Karachi has seen a continued increase in day-time temperature over the week; from 35.2 degrees Celsius recorded on Wednesday to 36.1 degree Celsius on Thursday and 37.5 degrees Celsius. “Over the next two days (Saturday-Sunday), we are expecting that it may go up to 38 to 39 degrees Celsius,” said Chief Meteorologist Ameer Hyder.

He said there is a single-digit increase in daytime and nighttime temperature in Karachi, adding that there was little chance of rain in Karachi before the monsoon.

The senior weather official called for conducting studies on the factors contributing to hot weather conditions in Karachi. “The most important one is the continued loss of green cover. The city has turned into a concrete jungle and new plantations is hardly seen.”

Looking at the broader climate picture, the PMD noted that while neutral conditions persist for ENSO and IOD, most global models suggest El-Niño conditions are likely to emerge, with a 61 per cent chance, during the May-July period.

This could have further implications for weather patterns in the region, which typically sees its hottest months in May and June when temperatures in heat-prone areas can soar up to 52°C.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2026