Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast widespread dust storms, windstorms, rain and isolated hailstorms across northern and central parts of the country from June 16, warning of possible urban flooding, damage to weak structures and landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas.
According to the PMD’s National Weather Forecasting Centre, a westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on June 16 and persist until June 20, while moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also likely to penetrate upper and central regions, creating favourable conditions for thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.
The Met Office said scattered dust storms and rain-thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and several other districts of Punjab between June 16 and 20.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli and Mirpur, rain-wind thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are forecast from June 16 to 22. Similar weather conditions are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Astore and Diamer, from June 18 to 22.
The PMD said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to receive widespread dust storms and thunderstorms in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Peshawar, Mardan, Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra from June 16 to 20.
In Balochistan, dust storms and thunderstorms with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are expected in Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar and adjoining areas during the same period.
Upper Sindh districts including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad are also expected to experience dust storms and rain-thunderstorms from June 16 to 20, while Karachi may receive gusty winds accompanied by light rain.
The Met Office warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage weak structures, solar panels, electricity poles and billboards. Heavy rainfall may trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad, while landslides are possible in vulnerable parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the prevailing weather conditions, while tourists and travellers have been urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather.
The PMD has asked all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incidents during the forecast period.