The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh weather alert forecasting a westerly wave that will bring dust-thunderstorms, heavy rains, and isolated hailstorms to the country’s upper parts.
According to the advisory, this weather system will persist until Saturday (May 23), bringing a brief respite from the heat but posing significant challenges for drivers.
Meanwhile, intense, sizzling heatwaves will continue to bake Pakistan’s southern regions, creating a double whammy of extreme weather across the country.
Car owners will need to be extra cautious in weather like this. Windstorms and lightning could damage weak structures like electric poles, solar panels, and large billboards. For drivers, this means treacherous road conditions, poor visibility, and the threat of falling debris.
Here is PakWheels’ guide on how to keep yourself and your ride safe over the next few days.
Weather Advisory Breakdown (May 19 – May 23)
| Province / Region | Specific Areas and Cities Affected | Expected Weather Conditions |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) | Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Peshawar, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Khyber | Dust-thunderstorms, heavy rain, and isolated hailstorms. |
| Punjab and the Federal Capital | Upper parts expected to receive isolated spells. (Includes general upper Punjab regions, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad). | Dust-storms, windstorms, and sudden rain showers. |
| Southern Pakistan | Sindh, South Punjab, and the lower parts of Balochistan. | Extreme heatwave conditions; very hot and dry weather. |
Beware of Chipped Windshields and Dents (Hailstorm Warning)
With isolated hailstorms predicted in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab, your car’s exterior is at risk. Hail can instantly crack a windshield or leave nasty dents on the hood and roof.
PakWheels Insights: If you are on the road and it starts hailing, pull over safely under a concrete bridge, a gas station canopy, or commercial indoor parking. Avoid parking directly under trees, as strong winds can snap branches.
Check Your Wiper Blades and Washers
Dust storms followed by sudden rain create a muddy mess on your windshield. If your wiper blades are cracked or leaving streaks, your visibility will drop to zero.
PakWheels Insights: Clean your wiper blades with a damp cloth before heading out. Make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped up; plain water won’t cut through greasy road grime, so add a few drops of windshield washer concentrate or liquid soap.
Drive Slow During Dust-Storms
Before the rain hits, the westerly wave will bring strong dust storms that drastically reduce visibility.
PakWheels Insights: Turn on your headlights (low beam) and fog lights so other drivers can see you. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Do not use hazard lights while driving, as they can confuse drivers behind you into thinking you are stationary; save hazards for when you are actually pulled over on the shoulder.
Watch Out for Falling Billboards and Trees
The Met Office has explicitly warned that high winds could damage weak structures. Big marketing billboards, loose electric poles, and solar panels are prone to flying off in severe storms.
PakWheels Insights: Avoid parking your car next to massive billboards, old trees, or under-construction buildings. When driving, stay alert to any flying debris on the highways.
Inspect Your Tires
Sudden rains after a dry spell make the roads incredibly slick because the water mixes with accumulated oil and dust on the tarmac.
PakWheels Insights: Ensure your tires have sufficient tread depth to avoid aquaplaning (where the car skims out of control over a layer of water). Check your tire pressure; under-inflated or completely bald tires are an open invitation to accidents in rainy weather.
For those living in the southern parts facing extreme heat, make sure to check your coolant levels and battery health to prevent overheating.
Stay safe, drive slow, and keep your eyes on the road!
Stay tuned to PakWheels Blog for more weather and road advisories.
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