Dust, thunderstorm, rain likely across upper, central parts

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday forecast dust and windstorms, rain and thunderstorms in upper and central parts of the country from June 11 to June 13, warning of possible urban flooding, damage to weak structures and landslides in vulnerable areas.

According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre, a western disturbance is expected to enter the upper regions from June 11 and persist until June 13. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also likely to penetrate upper and central areas during the same period, triggering unsettled weather conditions.

In Punjab and Islamabad, scattered dust and windstorms with rain and thunderstorms, including a few heavy falls and hailstorms, are expected in Islamabad, 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, Noorputhal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahimyar Khan and Kot Addu.

The weather activity is likely to occur with occasional breaks.

In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, scattered rain and windstorms with thunderstorms, along with a few heavy downpours and hailstorms, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur, as well as Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar during the forecast period.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to experience scattered dust and windstorms with rain and thunderstorms, including heavy falls and hailstorms, 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 from June 11 to 13.

In Balochistan, dust and windstorms with rain and thunderstorms are expected in north-eastern districts including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti during the same period.

For Sindh, the PMD forecast dust and windstorms in upper districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad from June 11 to 13.

The Met Office warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards. Heavy rainfall could cause urban and flash flooding in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad. Landslides are also possible in vulnerable mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir.

Farmers have been advised to manage their crops in line with prevailing weather conditions, while tourists and travellers have been urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

The PMD advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent any untoward situation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026