Rain and thunderstorms forecast in several regions from June 11 to 13

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast dust storms, windstorms and thunderstorms with rain in upper and central parts of the country from June 11 to 13, with isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms expected in some areas.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the Met Office said a western disturbance was likely to reach the upper parts of the country on June 11 and remain active until June 13. It added that moist currents from the Arabian Sea were also expected to move into central and upper regions, increasing overall weather activity.

Areas likely to be affected

According to the PMD, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and several districts of Punjab are likely to receive scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms with occasional gaps. The areas named in the advisory 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.

The same weather pattern is also expected in 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, the forecast covers 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, where dust storms and rain-thunderstorms are expected.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to see scattered rain, wind and thunderstorm activity. The Met Office said isolated heavy falls and hailstorms were expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, as well as Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.

In Balochistan, the advisory said northeastern districts including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti were likely to experience dust storms and rain-thunderstorms. In Sindh, dust and windstorm conditions are expected in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad during the forecast period.

Warnings and precautions

The PMD warned that strong windstorms, hailstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It also said heavy rainfall could cause urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Faisalabad.

The department further cautioned that landslides were likely in vulnerable hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and کشمیر. It advised farmers to take precautionary measures for crops, while tourists and travellers were urged to avoid unnecessary movement during the forecast period. The Met Office also asked relevant authorities to remain alert and take necessary steps to prevent any untoward situation.