Islamabad (Web Desk): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a spell of widespread dust storms, strong winds, and rain-thunderstorms across various parts of the country from June 16 to 20.
The system is expected to be driven by a westerly wave that will enter the upper regions on June 16 and continue influencing weather conditions until June 20.
In addition, moist air currents from the Arabian Sea are likely to move into central and northern areas from June 16 onward, further strengthening the likelihood of widespread unstable weather activity.
According to the Met Office, a mix of dust storms, gusty winds, and rain-thunderstorms is expected across a large number of districts, with chances of isolated heavy rainfall and hail.
Affected areas include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Kot Addu, with intermittent breaks expected during the forecast period.
For Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), intermittent rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms is likely from June 16 to 22, with isolated heavy showers and hail in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur. Gilgit-Baltistan is also expected to receive similar weather activity, including rain, wind, and thunderstorms, from June 18 to 22 in districts such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, with occasional pauses.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the forecast suggests scattered dust storms, strong winds, and rain-thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy rainfall and hail, covering Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, North and South Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu, and Kurram between June 16 and 20, with short gaps in activity.
Balochistan is also likely to experience similar conditions, particularly in its northern and northeastern parts, including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, Sibi, Barkhan, Khuzdar, and Dera Bugti, where dust storms, strong winds, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms are expected.
Upper Sindh may also be affected, with dust storms, windstorms, and rain-thunderstorms forecast for Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Shaheed Benazirabad during the same June 16–20 period.
Karachi and nearby areas are likely to witness dust-laden winds, with the possibility of light rain during this timeframe.
The PMD has cautioned that strong winds, lightning, and hail could cause damage to weak structures such as billboards, electric poles, and solar panels. It further warned that landslides may occur in vulnerable hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir between June 16 and 21.
The department also highlighted the risk of urban flooding in major cities including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, and Faisalabad due to heavy rainfall.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to the evolving weather conditions, while tourists and travelers have been urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
Authorities across all concerned regions have been instructed by the PMD to remain alert and take precautionary steps to prevent any potential hazards linked to the expected severe weather.