Pre-monsoon rains from June 25-30 to subside heatwave conditions

As scorching temperatures grip the country, relief is on the horizon with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting pre-monsoon rains and dust thunderstorms in the upper and central parts of Pakistan.

The anticipated weather conditions from June 25 to June 30 are expected to subside the prevailing heatwave and provide much-needed respite to the population.

According to the PMD, moist currents from the Arabian Sea are currently penetrating the upper and central regions of Pakistan. Furthermore, a westerly wave is predicted to enter the upper parts of the country on June 25, intensifying the weather system.

This convergence of factors will likely result in rain, wind-thundershowers, and occasional heavy falls in various regions.

Areas forecasted to receive rain, wind-thundershowers, and heavy falls include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, and Toba Tek Singh from the night of June 24 to June 30, with intermittent breaks in precipitation.

Additionally, Barkhan, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Ziarat, Musakhel, Dera Ismail Khan, Karak, Waziristan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, and Okara can expect isolated heavy falls from June 26 to June 29.

Meanwhile, Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana may experience rain and wind-thundershowers on June 27 and 28.

Also read: Citizens advised to avoid travelling during ‘extreme heat wave’

The PMD has highlighted several potential impacts of the upcoming weather system. Firstly, the prevailing heatwave conditions are expected to subside, bringing relief to the affected regions. However, heavy rainfall could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore on June 26 and 27.

Moreover, hilly areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa may be susceptible to landslides. The PMD has urged caution for travelers and tourists during this period to avoid any untoward situations.

The farming community has also been advised to make necessary adjustments to their agricultural activities based on the weather forecast. As loose structures like electric poles and solar panels may be damaged during dust storms, wind-thunderstorms, and heavy showers, the general public is advised to seek shelter in safe places.

In light of the expected weather conditions, the PMD has called upon all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to ensure public safety. By closely monitoring the situation and disseminating timely information, the authorities aim to minimise potential risks and effectively manage the impact of the impending weather system.