Islamabad, June 17, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms for the northern parts of the country on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
This weather change is expected to bring much-needed respite to regions that have been experiencing intense heat over the past few days.
According to the PMD, the areas likely to experience this weather include northeast and upper Punjab, Islamabad, the Potohar region, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan. The forecast highlights the arrival of a shallow westerly wave approaching the upper parts of Pakistan, which is anticipated to clash with the prevailing continental air over most of the country.
For Monday, June 17, 2024, the PMD predicted mainly hot and dry conditions across most districts, with some areas in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Islamabad, and the Potohar region expecting gusty winds and possible thunderstorms. The department also noted isolated occurrences of rain and thunderstorms in these regions.
The past 24 hours saw predominantly hot and dry weather in most parts of Pakistan, with the southern and central regions particularly scorched by very high temperatures. However, some relief was recorded in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where isolated places experienced rain, wind, and thunderstorms. Notable rainfall measurements included 7 mm in Dir (upper) and 1 mm in Kalam.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded today were blistering: Bhakkar topped the charts at 49°C, followed closely by Sibbi, Jhelum, DI Khan, Joharabad, Noor Pur Thal, and Narowal, all recording temperatures of 47°C. These extreme temperatures underline the urgency for rain and cooler weather in the affected regions.
The expected rain and thunderstorms on June 18 are hoped to mitigate the severe heat and provide relief to the residents of the northern regions. The PMD advises residents to stay updated with the latest weather information and take necessary precautions during the expected windstorms and thunderstorms.
As always, the PMD continues to monitor the weather patterns closely and will provide updates as the situation evolves. Residents are encouraged to follow the official PMD channels for real-time information and advisories.
In the meantime, those in southern and central Pakistan should brace for continued very hot and dry conditions, while the northern regions prepare for the much-anticipated change in weather.
