PMD predicts week-long rain, thunderstorms in upper parts of Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast that dust/windstorm and rain-thunderstorm are expected to hit upper parts of the country from June 16 to 20.

According to Met Office, a westerly wave is likely to approach upper parts of the country from Tuesday and likely to persist till Saturday. Moist currents from Arabian Sea are also likely to penetrate upper and central parts from June 16.

Under the influence of this weather system, Islamabad and various parts of Punjab including Rawalpindi, Murree, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Bhakkar, DG Khan and Multan are likely to receive scattered dust/windstorm and rain-thunderstorm, with isolated heavyfalls/hailstorm during this period with occasional gaps.

Scattered rain-wind/thunderstorm (with isolated heavyfalls/hailstorm) is expected in Kashmir’s Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur) from Tuesday to Sunday and in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar from Thursday to Sunday with occasional gaps.

The PMD said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Battagram, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Khyber, Waziristan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur and Peshawar are also expected to experience scattered dust/windstorm and rain-thunderstorm, with few heavyfalls/hailstorm.

According to the weather department, Balochistan’s Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Quetta, Qillah Saifullah, Qillah Abdullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar and Dera Bugti are also likely to receive dust/windstorm and rain-thunderstorm, with few heavyfalls/hailstorm from tomorrow.

Rain is expected to hit upper parts of Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad throughout the week.

Dust-storm with light rain is also likely in Karachi and surroundings during the forecast period, the PMD said.

Strong windstorm, hailstorm and lightning may damage weak structures like solar panels, electric poles and bill boards during the forecast period.

Landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from Tuesday to Sunday.

The weather department said heavy rains may cause urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.

Farmers are advised to manage their crops according to the prevailing weather conditions. Tourists and travelers are advised to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travelling during the forecast period.