Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast indicating that dust storms and rain-thunderstorms are expected in the upper regions of the country from the evening or night of June 2 through June 5.
Some areas may experience isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms during this period. Meanwhile, the plains are likely to remain under the influence of very hot and dry weather throughout the upcoming Eid holidays.
According to the Met Office, moist currents are penetrating the northeastern parts of the country, and a westerly wave is expected to approach the upper regions on June 3. As a result of this weather system, widespread activity is likely to occur across various regions.
Between the evening or night of June 2 and June 5, scattered dust storms and rain-thunderstorms, with occasional heavy rainfall and hailstorms at isolated places, are expected in areas such as Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Mansehra, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan, and Abbottabad.
Additionally, from the evening or night of June 3 to June 4, similar weather conditions are anticipated in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, and Waziristan. Dust storms are also likely in some parts of southern Punjab during this time.
For the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, which will be observed from June 6 to June 9, the PMD has forecast rain-wind and thunderstorms in Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, and Mansehra, mainly during the evening and night hours.
The forecast also warns that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may cause damage to weak infrastructure, including electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.
In light of these predictions, farmers are advised to plan their agricultural activities accordingly.
The general public, particularly travelers and tourists, are urged to exercise caution and stay updated on weather conditions. All relevant authorities have been asked to remain alert and take precautionary steps to avoid any untoward incidents.
Separately, the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have issued a weather alert warning of strong dusty winds and rainfall expected from today until Thursday in most districts of both provinces.
The forecast includes rain and gusty winds likely to affect various areas across northern and central Punjab, such as Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala.
Rainfall is also anticipated in major cities and surrounding districts including Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, and Mianwali.
In South Punjab, cities including Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar are also expected to experience rainfall during the alert period.
Meanwhile, the KP PDMA has stated that all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have been directed to implement precautionary measures to minimize potential human and material losses.
The provincial authorities stated that the PDMA control room in KP is fully operational around the clock, and the public is encouraged to report emergencies or seek assistance by dialing 1700.