PMD forecasts rain and thunderstorms in upper parts from June 2 to 5

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast dust-thunderstorms and rain in several parts of the country from June 2 to 5 under the influence of a westerly wave expected to approach the upper regions on Tuesday, June 2.

According to the PMD, scattered dust-thunderstorm rain with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms is likely in Islamabad and many districts of Punjab during the period, with occasional gaps. The areas named in the forecast include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, 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.

Forecast for northern regions

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the department said 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 2 to 5 with breaks in between.

For Gilgit-Baltistan, rain, wind and thunderstorms are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from June 4 to 6, also with occasional gaps.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scattered rain-wind and thunderstorms accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are likely from June 2 to 5 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.

Conditions in Balochistan and Sindh

The PMD said northeastern Balochistan is also expected to receive dust-thunderstorm rain from June 2 to 4. The forecast covers Quetta, Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti.

Upper Sindh is likely to experience similar weather from June 2 to 4, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad.

Advisory and warnings

The PMD warned that windstorms, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures during the forecast period, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards.

It also cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from June 3 to 6.

The department advised farmers to plan crop-related activities in line with the expected weather conditions. It also urged tourists and travellers to exercise extra caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period, while asking relevant authorities to stay alert and take precautionary steps to prevent any untoward situation.