ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast indicating potential dust storms and thunderstorms across various northern parts of the country between June 2 and 5, driven by an approaching westerly weather system expected to impact the region starting Tuesday (June 2).
According to PMD, scattered dust storms accompanied by rainfall, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours and hail, are anticipated in Islamabad and numerous districts of Punjab. These include Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, 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, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Ranjanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Layyah from June 2 to 5, with intermittent pauses.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered showers, gusty winds, and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy rainfall and hail, are forecasted in regions such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur during the same period.
The PMD also predicts rain, wind, and thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan, covering Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from June 4 to 6, with some gaps.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected in various districts including 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 2 to 5.
Similarly, northeastern Balochistan including Quetta, Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan, and Dera Bugti — may experience dust storms and rain from June 2 to 4.
Upper Sindh, with cities like Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, and Shaheed Benazirabad, could also see similar weather conditions during the same period.
The PMD cautioned that strong winds, hailstorms, and lightning may cause damage to vulnerable structures such as solar panels, electric poles, and billboards. Additionally, landslides are a potential risk in susceptible areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from June 3 to 6.
Farmers have been advised to adjust their crop management practices according to the weather forecast. Tourists and travelers are urged to exercise caution and consider postponing unnecessary journeys during these days.
The PMD called on relevant authorities to stay alert and implement necessary safety measures to mitigate any adverse effects during this volatile weather period.
