PMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms across country from tomorrow

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday forecast dust storms, gusty winds, rain and thunderstorms across large parts of the country from June 11 to 13, warning of possible urban flooding, landslides and damage to vulnerable infrastructure.

According to the PMD, a westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on June 11 and persist until June 13, while moist currents from the Arabian Sea are likely to penetrate upper and central regions during the same period.

Under the influence of the weather system, intermittent dust storms, strong winds and rain-thundershowers, accompanied by isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms, are expected in Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Rain and thunderstorms are also forecast for northeastern Balochistan, while upper Sindh is likely to experience dust storms and strong winds during the three-day period.

The Met Office warned that severe winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.

It further cautioned that heavy rainfall may trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Faisalabad, while landslides could occur in mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The PMD advised farmers to take necessary measures to protect crops and urged tourists and travellers to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.