PMD forecasts dust storms, rain-thunderstorms across country from June 16-20

ISLAMABAD, Jun 15 (APP):The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms in various parts of the country from June 16 to 20 as a westerly wave is likely to approach the upper parts of the country on June 16 and persist until June 20.

Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also expected to penetrate upper and central parts of the country from June 16, resulting in widespread weather activity.

According to the Met Office, scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms, are expected in 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 from June 16 to 20 with occasional gaps.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain, wind and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from June 16-22. Gilgit-Baltistan is also likely to receive rain-wind/thunderstorms in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar districts from June 18 to 22 with occasional gaps.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is expected to witness scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, in 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 from June 16 to 20 with occasional gaps.

In Balochistan, dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are likely in the northern and northeastern districts including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar and Dera Bugti from June 16 to 20.

The PMD has also forecast dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms in upper Sindh districts, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad from June 16 to 20.

Karachi and its surrounding areas are likely to experience dust storms accompanied by light rain during the forecast period.

The Met Office warned that strong windstorms, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards. It further cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from June 16 to 21.

The department also warned that heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.

The farmers have been advised to manage their crops according to prevailing weather conditions, while tourists and travelers have been urged to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.

The PMD advised all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to avert any untoward situation during the forecast period.