The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting dust storms, windstorms, and thunderstorms accompanied by rain across the upper and central regions of the country from June 11 to June 13. The forecast includes warnings of isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms in certain areas.
In a significant development, a western disturbance is expected to approach the northern parts of Pakistan on June 11 and remain active until June 13. Simultaneously, moist air currents from the Arabian Sea are anticipated to penetrate the central and upper regions, enhancing overall weather activity during this period.
Cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and multiple districts in Punjab are likely to experience scattered dust storms, windstorms, and intermittent rain with thunderstorms. Affected areas include Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Okara.
Additional districts in Punjab expected to face similar conditions include Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Kot Addu.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, dust storms accompanied by rain and thunderstorms are forecast for 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.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also expected to receive scattered rain, wind, and thunderstorm activity. Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are likely in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, as well as Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar.
In Balochistan, northeastern districts including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, and Dera Bugti are forecast to experience dust storms along with rain and thunderstorms. Sindh is expected to face dust and windstorm conditions in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Shaheed Benazirabad during this period.
The PMD has cautioned that strong windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning could damage vulnerable structures such as solar panels, electric poles, and billboards. Furthermore, heavy rainfall may result in urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad.
Additionally, landslides are likely in susceptible hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. The Met Office has urged farmers to take protective measures for their crops and advised tourists and travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys during this timeframe.
Authorities have been called upon to remain alert and implement necessary precautions to prevent any adverse incidents arising from the predicted weather conditions.
