PMD warns of heavy rain, hailstorms and strong winds across Punjab, KP, Sindh, Balochistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan from June 2 to June 5
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday issued a nationwide weather alert, forecasting widespread dust-thunderstorm rain across large parts of the country from June 2 to June 5 and warning of heavy downpours, hailstorms, strong winds and potential damage to vulnerable infrastructure.
According to the PMD, a westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper regions of Pakistan on June 2, bringing unstable weather conditions to several provinces and territories.
The Met Office said Islamabad and numerous districts of Punjab are likely to experience scattered dust-thunderstorm rain with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms from June 2 to June 5, with occasional gaps in activity.
Affected areas include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Layyah.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, rain, wind and thunderstorms accompanied by isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are expected during the same period.
The PMD also forecast rain and thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan from June 4 to June 6, affecting Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar districts.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scattered thunderstorms with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu and Kurram from June 2 to June 5.
Northeastern districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti, are also expected to receive dust-thunderstorm rain between June 2 and June 4.
Similarly, upper districts of Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad, are likely to witness thunderstorms and rainfall during the same period.
The weather department warned that strong winds, lightning strikes and hailstorms could damage weak structures, electric poles, solar panels, trees and billboards. It also cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir between June 3 and June 6.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the weather forecast to minimize potential crop losses, while tourists and travelers have been urged to exercise caution, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions where adverse weather conditions may disrupt travel.
The PMD advised relevant government departments, disaster management authorities and local administrations to remain on alert and take precautionary measures to address any emergency situation arising from the approaching weather system.
While the forecast may bring relief from the ongoing hot and dry conditions prevailing in many parts of the country, authorities emphasized the need for preparedness due to the risk of severe weather associated with the incoming westerly wave.
