The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday forecast pre-monsoon rains across various parts of the country from June 20-23, noting this will reduce the intense ongoing heatwave.
The expected wet spell will bring dust storms, rain-wind, and thundershowers, while isolated areas may also experience heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
According to the Met Office, moist currents from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are entering upper and central parts of the country. A westerly wave is also likely to approach the upper regions on June 20 (today), contributing to the development of unstable weather conditions.
From June 20 to 23, rain-wind/thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected in parts of upper and central Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Sargodha, and Mianwali.
Rain and thunderstorms are also likely in the upper districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa such as Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Murree, and Galliyat are also expected to receive scattered rain and thunderstorms during this period.
From June 21-23, duststorm and rain-wind/thunderstorm is predicted in parts of south Punjab and northeastern Balochistan, including Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kalat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Sahiwal. From June 22-24, the upper districts of Sindh, particularly Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad, are also likely to receive duststorms and thundershowers.
The Met Office has warned that windstorms and lightning may damage vulnerable structures such as electric poles, trees, solar panels, and parked vehicles, especially in upper and central regions including Islamabad. It has also warned of a risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Islamabad during heavy downpours.
Farmers have been advised to manage their crop activities in line with the forecast. The general public, travelers, and tourists are urged to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable or flood-prone areas.
The PMD has advised all concerned authorities to remain on alert and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward situation.