PMD forecasts widespread rain, storms and hail across Pakistan from June 16

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a significant weather system that is expected to bring widespread dust storms,

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a significant weather system that is expected to bring widespread dust storms, thunderstorms, and rainfall to several regions of the country starting June 16. According to the department, moist currents from the Arabian Sea are moving into upper and central parts of Pakistan, while an incoming westerly wave is likely to intensify weather activity over the coming days.

The PMD predicts that Punjab will experience scattered dust storms, windstorms, and rain-thunderstorms between June 16 and June 20. Some areas may also receive heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms. The affected districts include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, and several other central and southern districts. Weather activity may occur intermittently throughout the forecast period.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and isolated heavy showers is expected from June 16 to June 22. Areas likely to be affected include Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Haveli, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, and nearby regions. Hailstorms may also occur in some localities.

Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to experience similar weather conditions from June 18 to June 22. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast in districts such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, with occasional breaks in the weather pattern.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to witness widespread weather activity between June 16 and June 20. The PMD has warned of dust storms, strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and isolated hailstorms in various districts, including Chitral, Swat, Dir, Malakand, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and the tribal districts.

In Balochistan, the approaching westerly system is expected to affect northern and northeastern parts of the province. Districts such as Quetta, Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar, and Dera Bugti may experience thunderstorms, rain, gusty winds, and occasional hailstorms between June 16 and June 20.

Sindh is also expected to come under the influence of the weather system. Upper districts including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, and Shaheed Benazirabad are likely to receive thunderstorms accompanied by dust storms and strong winds. Karachi and surrounding areas may witness dusty conditions along with light rainfall.

The PMD has warned that strong winds, lightning strikes, and hailstorms could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including electricity poles, solar panels, trees, and billboards. Authorities have also been cautioned about the possibility of landslides in vulnerable mountainous regions of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.

Furthermore, heavy rainfall may lead to urban flooding in major cities such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot. The Met Office has advised farmers to plan agricultural activities carefully to minimize potential losses. Tourists and travelers have also been urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather.

The department has called on all relevant authorities to stay alert and take precautionary measures to ensure public safety and prevent any weather-related emergencies during the forecast period.