Karachi among areas likely to receive rain as PMD issues nationwide weather advisory

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms in several parts of the country from June 16 to 20, with Karachi also expected to receive light rain during the period.

In an advisory issued on Monday, the Met Office said a westerly wave was likely to reach the upper parts of the country on June 16 and remain active until June 20. It added that moist currents from the Arabian Sea were also expected to move into upper and central parts of Pakistan from June 16, leading to broader weather activity.

Punjab and federal capital in forecast zone

According to the PMD, scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms, are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum and Mandi Bahauddin between June 16 and 20.

The same weather system is also expected to affect 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 during the forecast period.

Sindh, KP and Balochistan also expected to see storms

In Sindh, the department said Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad were likely to receive dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms from June 16 to 20. Karachi and nearby areas are expected to experience dust storms along with light rain.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are likely in 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 from June 16 to 20, with occasional gaps.

The PMD said Balochistan was also likely to see dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, in Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar and Dera Bugti.

Alerts issued for Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and vulnerable areas

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 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 16 to 22.

Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to receive rain with thunderstorms in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar districts from June 18 to 22, also with occasional gaps.

The Met Office warned that strong windstorms, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It also cautioned that landslides may occur in sensitive areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and کشمیر from June 16 to 21.

The department further said heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad. It advised farmers to plan crop activities in line with the weather outlook and urged tourists and travellers to remain careful and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.