The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting dust-thunderstorm rain across various parts of the country from June 2 to June 5, under the influence of a westerly wave expected to approach the upper regions on Tuesday (June 2). According to the PMD, scattered rain accompanied by isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms is likely in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Layyah, spanning from June 2 to 5 with occasional gaps.
Rain Predictions for Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain-wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are anticipated in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur during the same period. The PMD also indicated that rain-wind and thunderstorms are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, from June 4 to 6 with occasional gaps.
Weather Outlook for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scattered rain-wind and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu, and Kurram from June 2 to 5. For northeastern Balochistan, dust-thunderstorm rain is expected in Quetta, Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, and Dera Bugti from June 2 to 4. Similarly, upper Sindh regions such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Shaheed Benazirabad are likely to experience dust-thunderstorm rain during the same timeframe.
Warnings and Precautionary Measures
The PMD warned that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electric poles, and billboards, during the forecast period. It further cautioned that landslides could occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from June 3 to 6. Farmers have been advised to manage their crops according to prevailing weather conditions, while tourists and travelers are urged to exercise extra caution and avoid unnecessary travel during this time.
NDMA Issues Nationwide Weather Advisory
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), has issued a nationwide weather outlook for June 1 to 7, warning of a combination of intense heat, thunderstorms, flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and wildfire risks across different parts of the country. The advisory identifies where and when weather systems are expected to affect Pakistan, highlights potential impacts, and outlines precautionary measures for authorities, residents, and tourists. According to the NDMA, two separate weather systems are expected to influence the country during the coming week: a weak moist current affecting southern and eastern regions, and a westerly weather system impacting northern parts.
Daily Weather Breakdown
On June 1, weather is expected to remain mainly hot and dry across most parts of the country, though rain is likely in several areas of Punjab, including the Galiyat region, Potohar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Rajanpur, as well as in the Barkhan and Kohlu districts of northern Balochistan. On June 2, hot and dry conditions are expected during the day, with rainfall forecast in parts of Punjab and Balochistan during the evening, including Lahore, Sialkot, Gujrat, the Potohar region, and parts of northern Balochistan. During June 3 and 4, cloudy weather is expected over northern Balochistan, southern Punjab, and the northern regions, while temperatures are likely to continue rising across Balochistan, Sindh, and southern Punjab, increasing the intensity of heat conditions. Between June 5 and 7, the NDMA forecast indicates that upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Potohar region, and eastern Punjab are likely to receive thunderstorm-related rainfall.
Risk Assessment and Public Advisory
The authority has also warned of an increased risk of landslides and rising water flows in streams and nullahs in northern regions due to rainfall. The threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) remains significant in Gilgit-Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Shisper, Ghulkin, Darkot, Reshun, Bad Swat, and other glacial zones identified as particularly vulnerable. Heavy rainfall in mountainous areas may trigger local flooding in streams and create travel disruptions. At the same time, rising temperatures have heightened the risk of forest fires in parts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Punjab. The NDMA has advised tourists planning visits to northern areas to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. Citizens have also been urged to avoid activities that could spark wildfires, including lighting fires in forests or discarding lit cigarette butts. In view of the evolving weather situation, the NDMA has issued pre-emptive alerts to all relevant departments and emergency response agencies. The National Emergencies Operation Center continues to monitor weather patterns, flood threats, GLOF risks, and landslide hazards across the country. The public has been encouraged to stay informed through the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application for timely warnings and updates.
