Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather outlook forecasting dust storms, strong winds, and rain-thunderstorm activity across the northern and central parts of the country between June 11 and June 13.
The department has also indicated the possibility of isolated heavy rainfall and hail in some areas during this spell.
According to the forecast, a Western Disturbance is expected to reach the upper regions of Pakistan on June 11 and remain active until June 13. At the same time, moist air flows from the Arabian Sea are likely to enter central and northern areas, which may further strengthen and expand the weather system.
As a result of these conditions, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and multiple districts of Punjab are likely to witness scattered dust storms, gusty winds, and intermittent rain accompanied by thunderstorms, with occasional breaks in between.
The affected areas in Punjab include 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, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Kot Addu.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), similar weather activity in the form of dust storms and rain-thunderstorms is expected 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 districts. Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are also likely to experience scattered rainfall with wind and thunderstorm activity, while isolated heavy downpours and hail may occur in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, as well as Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar.
In Balochistan, the unsettled weather is expected mainly in the northeastern districts, including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, and Dera Bugti, where dust storms and rain-thunderstorms may develop. Meanwhile, in Sindh, upper regions such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Shaheed Benazirabad are likely to face dusty winds and stormy conditions during the forecast period.
The Met Office has also warned that strong winds, lightning strikes, and hail may cause damage to weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles, and billboards.
Heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas of major cities such as Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad. There is also a risk of landslides in vulnerable hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions to protect crops, while tourists and travelers are urged to avoid unnecessary movement during the forecast period. Authorities have been instructed to stay alert and ensure precautionary arrangements to prevent any untoward incidents.
The public has been encouraged to remain updated through official PMD channels and the PMD Kissan App.