The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dust storms, windstorms, and rain-thunderstorms across upper and central parts of the country from June 11-13, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms expected at some locations during the period. According to the Met Office, a Western Disturbance is likely to approach the upper parts of the country on June 11 and persist till June 13, while moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also expected to penetrate central and upper regions, intensifying overall weather activity.
Under the influence of these systems, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several districts of Punjab are expected to experience scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms with occasional gaps.
The areas likely to be impacted 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, Okara, 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 and rain-thunderstorms are expected 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. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to receive scattered rain-wind and thunderstorm activity, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, as well as Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
In Balochistan, dust storms and rain-thunderstorms are expected mainly in northeastern districts including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti. In Sindh, upper parts of the province are likely to experience dust and windstorm conditions in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad during the forecast period.
The PMD has warned that strong windstorms, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as solar panels, electric poles and billboards. Heavy rainfall may trigger urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas of major cities including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Faisalabad, while landslides are also likely in vulnerable hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.
Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures for crops, and tourists and travelers have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. All concerned authorities are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avoid any untoward situation. The public is advised to stay updated through official PMD channels and the PMD Kissan App.