RAWALPINDI: Dust/thunderstorm-rain is predicted from April 8 (evening/night) to April 11 with occasional gaps while the southern half of the country will experience heat wave-like conditions.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted said temperatures were likely to remain four to seven degrees Celsius above normal in central/southern Punjab, Sindh and parts of Balochistan on Tuesday/ Wednesday.

A shallow westerly wave is likely to enter upper parts of the country on April 8 and may persist till April 11.

Under the influence of this weather system, rain-wind/thunderstorm are expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Bunner, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Murree, Galliyat, Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from April 8 (evening/night) to April 11 with occasional gaps.

Dust/thunderstorm-rain is expected in Potohar region (Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mianwali and Jhelum) and northeast Punjab (Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore and Sheikhupura) during the period.

Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the forecast period. Duststorm/gusty winds are also expected in the plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh.

The Met Office said due to rising temperatures in central/southern parts of the country, citizens, especially children, women and senior citizens, should take precautionary measures.

It advised them to avoid exposure to sunlight during the daytime and get hydrated. Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities (wheat harvesting) keeping in view the weather conditions and take care of their livestock as well. Judicious use of water is advised.