Heavy rainfall in Barkhan, heatwave in Nokkundi as Balochistan braces for storms

QUETTA, Jun 18 (APP): The Regional Meteorological Center has heavy rainfall in Barkhan and extreme heat in Nokkundi, while thunderstorms and dust storms are forecast in several districts of Balochistan for the next three days.

According to RMC, rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls expected in Zhob, Sherani, Musakhail, Kohlu, Barkhan, Ziarat, Harnai, Duki, Loralai, Killa Saifullah, Dera Bugti, Rakhni, Kalat, Surab, and Khuzdar. Hailstorms or ice pellets may also occur in the foothills of the Suleman Range. Light rain and drizzle with strong winds are likely in Quetta, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Sohbatpur, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad, Awaran, Panjgur, Kech, and the Lasbella Hub districts.

Meanwhile, dry weather is expected in other areas, though dust and sandstorms accompanied by strong gusty winds are forecast in Chaghi, Nokkundi, Dalbandin, Washuk, Kharan, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Nushki, Ziarat, Harnai, Kalat, and Surab.

 Barkhan received 17 millimeters of rainfall, the highest in the province, while showers were also reported in Quetta, Musakhail, Ziarat, and the upper areas of Dera Bugti. At the same time, temperatures soared across much of the region. Nokkundi recorded the highest temperature at 46 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Dalbandin at 45.5 degrees, and Sibi and Usta Muhammad at 45 degrees each. Other districts also experienced intense heat, with Turbat reaching 41 degrees, Khuzdar and Panjgur at 40, and Quetta and Barkhan at 38. The lowest temperature was observed in Kalat at 33 degrees Celsius, while coastal areas such as Gwadar, Pasni, Jiwani, and Ormara remained relatively cooler, ranging between 32 and 34 degrees.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger localized flooding and damage to weak structures, while extreme heat and dust storms pose health and safety risks.