Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday warned that strong dust storms, gusty winds and thunderstorms are likely to affect Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan from June 11 to 13 as a western weather system enters the country, with isolated heavy rainfall, hailstorms, urban flooding and landslides also expected in vulnerable areas.
The Met Office said the weather system would reach the upper parts of the country on June 11 and persist until June 13, while moisture from the Arabian Sea is also expected to penetrate upper and central regions, increasing the intensity of thunderstorms and rainfall.
According to the forecast, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree and Galliyat along with a large number of districts in Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Narowal, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan, are likely to experience dust storms, strong winds and rain-thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms.
Similar weather conditions are expected in most upper and central districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar and Mardan, while Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also likely to receive rain-thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and occasional heavy rainfall.
The PMD said northeastern Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti, may also experience dust storms and thunderstorms, while upper Sindh districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore and Shikarpur are expected to witness dust storms and gusty winds during the period.
The met department warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms could damage weak structures, solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It also warned that isolated heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Faisalabad.
In addition, landslides may occur in vulnerable mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir between June 11 and 13.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to prevailing weather conditions, while tourists and travellers have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather. The PMD has asked all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to avert any loss of life or property.