Western wave loaded with water will remain strong until June 20 in most of the country
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast widespread dust storms, windstorms and rainstorms in several parts of the country from June 16 as moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to penetrate the upper and central regions of Pakistan.
According to the Meteorological Office, the incoming westerly wave is likely to trigger scattered dust storms, wind storms and rain storms, accompanied by isolated heavy rain and hail storms in several parts of Punjab between June 16 and 20.
The affected areas 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, with occasional gaps in weather activity during the forecast period.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain, wind and thunderstorm with isolated heavy rain and hailstorm are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from June 16 to 22.
The weather phenomenon will affect Gilgit-Baltistan from June 18 to 22, causing rain and thunderstorms, with occasional intervals, in the districts of Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to receive scattered dust storms, wind storms and rain storms, accompanied by heavy downpours and isolated hailstorms 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.
In the South, the PMD forecasts weather outlooks similar to those of the rest of the country.
As the westerly wave enters Pakistan, the northern and northeastern districts of Balochistan including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar and Dera Bugti are expected to witness dust storms, wind storms and rainstorms along with isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms between 16th and 16th. June 20.
During the same PMD forecast period, upper Sindh districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad would brace for dust storms, gales and thunderstorms.
The Meteorological Office said Karachi and its surrounding areas may also experience dust storms accompanied by light rain.
It warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, power poles and billboards.
He warned that landslides may occur in susceptible areas of northern KP, GB and Kashmir as the weather phenomenon develops.
Additionally, heavy rains are expected to cause urban flooding in major cities including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.
The PMD advised farmers to manage agricultural activities according to the prevailing weather conditions to avoid losses.
Meanwhile, tourists and travelers have been urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense weather activity.
The department further directed all relevant authorities to remain alert and implement precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incident during the forecast period.
