The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast for widespread dust storms, windstorms, and rain-thunderstorms across various parts of the country from June 16 to 20. This weather activity is attributed to a westerly wave expected to approach the upper regions of the country on June 16 and persist until June 20. Additionally, moist currents from the Arabian Sea are anticipated to penetrate the upper and central parts of the country starting June 16, leading to widespread weather phenomena.
Expected Weather Activity in Different Regions
According to the Met Office, scattered dust storms, windstorms, and rain-thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms, are forecast for several cities and districts. These include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Kot Addu. The weather activity is expected from June 16 to 20 with occasional gaps.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain, wind, and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from June 16 to 22.
Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan is also likely to receive rain-wind or thunderstorms in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar districts from June 18 to 22 with occasional gaps.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to witness scattered dust storms, windstorms, and rain-thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, North and South Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu, and Kurram from June 16 to 20 with occasional gaps.
Balochistan
In Balochistan, dust storms, windstorms, and rain-thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are likely in the northern and northeastern districts including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar, and Dera Bugti from June 16 to 20.
Sindh
The PMD has also forecast dust storms, windstorms, and rain-thunderstorms in upper Sindh districts, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Shaheed Benazirabad from June 16 to 20. Karachi and its surrounding areas are likely to experience dust storms accompanied by light rain during the forecast period.
Warnings and Advisories
The Met Office warned that strong windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may damage weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles, and billboards. It further cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir from June 16 to 21. Additionally, heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, and Faisalabad.
Farmers have been advised to manage their crops according to prevailing weather conditions, while tourists and travelers have been urged to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. The PMD advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avert any untoward situation during the forecast period.
