Dust storms and thunderstorms forecast across Pakistan from June 16

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms in several parts of the country from June 16, as moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to move into upper and central Pakistan.

According to the Met Office, a westerly wave is likely to generate scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms in different parts of Punjab from June 16 to 20, with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms also expected. Areas named in the forecast include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Kot Addu. The department said weather activity may continue with occasional gaps during the forecast period.

Forecast for northern regions

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain, wind and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected from June 16 to 22 in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to see rain and thunderstorms from June 18 to June 22, again with occasional gaps, in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PMD said scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms are likely between June 16 and 20, along with isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms. The districts mentioned in the advisory are Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, North and South Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu and Kurram.

Outlook for Balochistan and Sindh

The department said northern and northeastern districts of Balochistan are also likely to face dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms as the westerly wave enters Pakistan. It said Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar and Dera Bugti may receive isolated heavy showers and hailstorms from June 16 to 20.

For Sindh, the PMD forecast dust storms, windstorms and thunderstorms in upper districts including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad during the same period. It also said Karachi and nearby areas may experience dust storms with light rain.

Warnings and advisory

The Met Office warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning may damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It also cautioned that landslides could occur in vulnerable areas of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and کشمیر during the weather spell.

It said heavy rainfall may lead to urban flooding in major cities, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad. The PMD advised farmers to plan agricultural activity in line with weather conditions to reduce potential losses, while tourists and travellers were urged to remain careful and avoid unnecessary movement during intense weather spells. The department also directed relevant authorities to stay alert and take precautionary steps to avoid any untoward incidents during the forecast period.