ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday forecast dust and windstorms, rain and thunderstorms across most parts of the country from June 11–13.
The Met office also warned the relevant authorities to remain vigilant during the aforesaid period.
According to a press release issued by the PMD, a western disturbance is likely to approach the upper parts of the country on June 11 and persist until June 13.
It added that moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also likely to penetrate the upper and central parts of the country from June 11.
Scattered dust and windstorms, and rain and thunderstorms — along with isolated heavy falls and hail — are expected in Islamabad and 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, Noor Pur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Kot Addu from June 11–13, with occasional gaps.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, similar conditions are expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu and Kurram.
Scattered rain, wind and thunderstorms, with some hail, are also expected in Kashmir’s Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur; and in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.
Rain expected in northeastern parts of Balochistan
Dust and windstorms, and rain and thunderstorms, are expected in the northeastern parts of Balochistan, specifically Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qilla Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti.
Dust and windstorms are also expected in upper Sindh’s Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad.
The PMD warned that strong winds, hail and lightning may damage weak structures such as solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It also warned that heavy rains may cause urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Lahore.
The statement advised farmers to manage their crops in line with prevailing weather conditions. The PMD also urged tourists and travellers to exercise caution, advising them to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
In an advisory, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab requested all district administrations and other departments to ensure sufficient round-the-clock staffing at District Emergency Operations Centres for effective coordination, and to coordinate with the PDMA and other relevant departments to ensure a unified and prompt response to harsh weather conditions.
