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The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a spell of rain, duststorms, and thunderstorms across large parts of the country starting June 13, due to the combined impact of moist currents from the Arabian Sea and an approaching westerly wave. This unstable weather is expected to continue intermittently through June 16, with occasional breaks in between.
Rain, Duststorms Expected Across Northern Regions
According to the Met Office, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and several districts of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience rain and thunderstorms with possible hailstorms. The affected areas include:
- Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat
- Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Mansehra, Battagram
- Shangla, Kohistan, Abbottabad
This weather activity will likely occur between June 13 and June 16, with breaks in between.
Rain, Wind, and Hail Expected in Punjab, Islamabad, and KP Plains
The PMD has also extended its advisory to cover much of Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa plains, including the following districts:
- Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum
- Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh
- Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Bannu
- Orakzai, Kurram, Waziristan, D.I. Khan, Zhob, Barkhan
These regions may experience duststorms, rain-thundershowers, and isolated hailstorms primarily on June 13 and June 16, again with periodic gaps.
Upper Sindh and Southern Punjab Also on Alert
Districts in southern Punjab and upper Sindh are also forecast to receive duststorms and thunder-rain during this spell. Though the rainfall may be less intense in these regions, gusty winds and lightning could pose risks.
Hazards: Risk to Infrastructure and Safety
The Met Office has warned that strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms could cause damage to:
- Loose structures like billboards, tents, and rooftops
- Electric poles and wires
- Trees and solar panels
- Parked vehicles
Citizens are advised to stay indoors during thunderstorms and secure any vulnerable outdoor objects.
Heatwave Relief on the Horizon
A silver lining to this stormy forecast is the expected subsiding of the ongoing severe heatwave. With temperatures soaring above 45°C in several parts of the country in recent days, the incoming weather system is likely to bring much-needed temperature relief, particularly in central and northern Pakistan.
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Advisories for Farmers, Tourists, and the General Public
The PMD has issued the following advisories:
- Farmers should adjust irrigation and harvesting plans based on rain forecasts to avoid crop damage.
- Travelers and tourists visiting hilly or northern regions like Murree, Galliyat, and Swat should exercise caution, as road conditions may become slippery and visibility may be reduced.
- The general public is advised to remain indoors during stormy hours, avoid standing near electric poles or under trees, and disconnect sensitive electronic equipment during lightning activity.
