ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has announced that pre-monsoon showers are expected to begin across various parts of the country from June 20 to June 23, with intermittent breaks, providing relief from the ongoing intense heatwave in several areas. The upcoming weather system is anticipated to bring dust storms, rain, wind gusts, and thunderstorms, with some locations potentially experiencing heavy rainfall and hail.
According to the PMD, moist air from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea is currently entering the northern and central regions of Pakistan. Additionally, a westerly weather system is expected to approach the northern areas on June 20, likely leading to unstable atmospheric conditions during this period. Between June 20 and 23, widespread rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, along with isolated heavy rain and hail, are forecasted for parts of upper and central Punjab—including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Sargodha, and Mianwali.
The weather activity is also likely to impact northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan experiencing thunderstorms and rain.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are also expected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, and the Galliyat region during this timeframe. From June 21 to 23, dust storms and rain-bearing winds are predicted in southern Punjab and northeastern Balochistan, including areas like Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kalat, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Sahiwal.
Furthermore, between June 22 and 24, upper Sindh districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad may experience dust storms and thunderstormsThe PMD cautioned that windstorms and lightning strikes could cause damage to vulnerable infrastructure—such as power poles, trees, solar panels, and parked vehicles—particularly in northern and central regions including Islamabad. The current extreme heat is expected to diminish gradually during this period.
Urban flooding remains a concern in low-lying areas of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Islamabad during heavy rains. Farmers are advised to adjust their agricultural activities accordingly.
Citizens, travelers, and tourists are urged to stay alert, exercise caution, and avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone or vulnerable locations.
The PMD has called on relevant authorities to stay vigilant and implement precautionary measures to prevent any emergencies during this weather transition.
