Dust storms and rain likely across Punjab, KP, GB: PMD

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dust storms, windstorms, and thunderstorms accompanied by rain across upper and central parts of the country from June 11 to 13, warning of isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms in some areas.

In a weather advisory issued on Wednesday, the Met Office said a western disturbance is likely to enter 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 expected to penetrate central and northern regions, intensifying weather activity during the forecast period.

The PMD said Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several districts of Punjab may experience scattered dust storms, windstorms, and thunderstorms with rain, with occasional breaks.

Affected areas in Punjab include Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, Bahawalpur, and others.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, similar weather conditions are expected in Peshawar, Swat, Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dera Ismail Khan, and adjoining regions.

In Balochistan, dust storms and thunderstorms are expected in northeastern districts including Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, and Qila Saifullah, while parts of Sindh may experience dust and windstorm conditions in areas such as Sukkur, Larkana, and Jacobabad.

Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to receive scattered rain, wind, and thunderstorm activity, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms expected in several valleys, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Skardu, Hunza, and Gilgit.

The Met Office warned that strong winds, hailstorms, and lightning may damage weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles, and billboards.

It further cautioned that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of major cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Faisalabad, while landslides may occur in vulnerable hilly regions of northern Pakistan.

Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures to protect crops, and travelers and tourists have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period. Relevant authorities have also been asked to remain alert and take precautionary measures.