Weather alert: dust storms, string rain approach Punjab

Punjab authorities have stepped up emergency preparedness measures after meteorologists forecast strong winds, dust storms and rainfall across multiple districts over the next two days.

The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a province-wide advisory, warning that weather conditions could worsen from Sunday evening until May 12, with thunderstorms and scattered showers expected in several cities, including Lahore.

The alert comes as the province continues to experience intense heatwave conditions, with temperatures remaining significantly above seasonal averages in central and southern regions. Officials have urged residents to remain cautious as unstable weather patterns may disrupt daily activities and travel.

According to the advisory, districts likely to be affected include Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Jhang, Okara and Dera Ghazi Khan, among others.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said that a fresh westerly weather system has entered the upper parts of the country, raising the possibility of thunderstorms, isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms in northern and upper areas, although much of the country is still expected to remain hot and dry through Sunday and Monday.