ISLAMABAD(National Times)- After a three-day heat wave in northern parts of the country, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rain in the upper regions from Sunday evening (today) to May 12.

The Met Office stated that dust storms, thunderstorms and rain are likely in the upper parts, with occasional gaps, from May 10 to May 12.

According to the department, a fresh westerly wave is likely to approach the northwestern parts of the country today and persist in the upper regions until the night of May 12.

Under the influence of this weather system, dust storms, thunderstorms and rain are expected across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mans­ehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Khyber, Kohat, Kurram, Hangu and Karak.

Similar weather is expected in Punjab and the capital territory, including Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Joharabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisa­labad, Sahiwal, Jhang, Lahore, Shei­khupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal.

Meanwhile, rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected from May 11 to May 13, with occasional gaps, in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.

The system will also affect Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

“Dust-thunderstorm and rain are likely to bring relief from hot weather in upper parts, while very hot weather conditions are expected to continue in southern parts,” including south Punjab, Sindh and parts of Balochistan, the PMD stated.

The department noted that windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, such as electric poles, billboards and solar panels, during the forecast period.

“Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper KP, GB and Kashmir during the forecast period,” the Met Office warned.

Farmers were asked to manage their crops in accordance with weather fluctuations. Tourists and travellers are advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during this period. Additionally, all authorities concerned were advised to remain vigilant.