Strong winds accompanied by rain and isolated hailstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several other parts of Pakistan on Wednesday evening/night and Thursday.
The expected rainfall is likely to bring relief to residents from the intense heat that gripped many areas during the day.
Synoptic Situation:
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a westerly weather system is currently affecting the western and northern regions of the country, while continental air continues to dominate elsewhere.
Forecast:
Under the prevailing conditions, intermittent rain, wind and thunderstorms are forecast for upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan on Wednesday evening and night. Dust storms and thunderstorms accompanied by rain are expected in lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, upper Punjab, Kashmir and nearby hilly areas. Isolated hailstorms and heavy downpours may occur in some locations, while most other parts of the country are expected to remain dry.
For Thursday, the Met Office has predicted mainly hot and dry weather across much of the country, with very hot conditions likely to persist in southern regions during daytime hours. However, rain-wind thunderstorms are expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, the Pothohar region, Kashmir and adjoining mountainous areas, with chances of isolated hailstorms and heavy rainfall.
Expected Temperatures:
In Islamabad, maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 38°C and 40°C on Thursday and between 37°C and 39°C on Friday. In Rawalpindi, temperatures are expected to remain between 38°C and 40°C on both Thursday and Friday.
Past Weather:
During the last 24 hours, hot and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while central and southern districts experienced very hot conditions. However, isolated rain and thunderstorms were recorded in parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Barkhan.
Rainfall recorded during the period included 20mm in Upper Dir, 17mm in Mirkhani, 16mm in Kalam, 13mm in Drosh, 12mm in Bannu and 8mm in Pattan. In Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit received 12mm of rain, while Bunji and Chilas recorded 9mm each. Astore and Babusar received 7mm, while Skardu and Bagrote recorded 6mm. Barkhan in Balochistan received 1mm of rainfall.
The mercury climbed to 42°C in Islamabad, where evening humidity was recorded at 30 per cent. In Rawalpindi, the maximum temperature reached 40°C, with evening humidity measured at 16 per cent.
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