Water-filled westerly wave to maintain strength up to June 20 in most parts of the country
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday predicted widespread dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms over several parts of the country from June 16 as moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to enter the upper and central areas of Pakistan.
According to the Met Office, the incoming westerly wave is likely to trigger scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorm accompanied by isolated heavy rain and hailstorm in various 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, Pakpatana, Sabadni, Chinkot, Sahib, Chinkot, Narowal, Okabad, 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 thundershowers with isolated heavy falls and hailstorm are expected at 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 June 22, resulting in rain and thundershowers, with occasional gaps, 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-thunderstorm accompanied by isolated heavy rain and hailstorms in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, North Ismail Khan, Moberh, Ismail, Khan, Dera, Mand Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu and Kurram from June 16 to 20.
In the south, PMD predicts a similar weather forecast to 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 experience severe storms and thunderstorms. showers and hailstorms between June 16 and 20.
During the same PMD forecast period, the upper districts of Sindh such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad would brace for dust storms, wind storms and thunderstorms.
The Met office said Karachi and its surrounding areas may also experience dust storms accompanied by light rain.
It warned that strong winds, hail and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, power poles and billboards.
It warned that landslides may occur in susceptible areas of North KP, GB and Kashmir as the weather phenomenon unfolds.
Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected to trigger urban flooding in major cities including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.
The PMD advised farmers to manage farming 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 vigilant and implement precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incident during the forecast period.
