PMD forecasts rain, thunderstorms across upper Pakistan from June 16-20

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain, windstorms and thunderstorms across the upper parts of the country from June 16 to 20, while warning of possible flash floods, landslides and damage to vulnerable infrastructure, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to the Met Office, a westerly weather system is expected to enter the upper parts of the country on June 17, bringing rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms to several regions.

In Punjab, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Narowal, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Sahiwal.

The PMD said districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghizer, Ghanche and Shigar, are also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms during the forecast period.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, weather activity is expected in Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Kohistan, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Kurram, Hangu, Kohat, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar and Bajaur.

The Met Office said parts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Musakhel, Barkhan, Loralai, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Ziarat, Quetta, Harnai, Pishin, Kalat, Khuzdar and Lasbela, are likely to experience windstorms, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms.

In Sindh, thunderstorms are expected in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Ghotki, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu, while dusty winds are forecast for Karachi and Hyderabad.

The PMD warned that heavy rainfall in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and northeastern Punjab could trigger flash flooding in local streams and nullahs.

Authorities have also been alerted to the risk of landslides in mountainous areas of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northeastern Punjab, which could disrupt traffic and road connectivity.

The department cautioned that heavy downpours and strong winds may damage weak structures, slum settlements and under-construction buildings.

Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the weather outlook, while tourists and travellers heading to northern and hilly areas have been urged to exercise caution and stay informed about weather conditions.

The PMD further directed all relevant government agencies and emergency response departments to remain on alert and ensure preparedness for any weather-related emergencies.

Meanwhile, the prevailing heatwave conditions are expected to continue in most plain areas of the country until June 18 before temperatures begin to ease under the influence of the incoming weather system.

Reporter: Rozina Ali