Dust-thunderstorm, rain predicted in upper parts of country from June 2-5: PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast dust-thunderstorm rain in various parts of the country from June 2 to 5 under the influence of a westerly wave likely to approach the upper parts of the country.

According to the PMD, scattered dust-thunderstorm rain, accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, was expected in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, 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, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Layyah from June 2 to 5 with occasional gaps.

It said that in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain-wind/thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, were expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from June 2 to 5 with occasional gaps.

The PMD said rain-wind/thunderstorms were also expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar, from June 4 to 6 with occasional gaps.

Read More: PMD predicts rain, thunderstorms in parts of Sindh

The weather department stated that in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, scattered rain-wind/thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, were likely in 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 during this period with occasional gaps.

It added that dust-thunderstorm rain was expected in northeastern Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti, from June 2 to 4.

Similarly, dust-thunderstorm rain was likely in upper Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad, from June 2 to 4.

The PMD warned that windstorms, hailstorms and lightning may damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards, during the forecast period.

It further cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper K-P, G-B and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from June 3 to 6.

"The farmers have been advised to manage their crops in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions, while tourists and travellers have been urged to remain extra cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period," it said.

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

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), through its National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), issued a nationwide weather outlook for June 1–7, warning of a combination of intense heat, thunderstorms, flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides and wildfire risks across different parts of the country.

The advisory identified where and when weather systems were expected to affect Pakistan, highlights the potential impacts, and outlines precautionary measures for authorities, residents and tourists.

According to the NDMA, two separate weather systems were expected to influence the country during the coming week.

It said that a weak moist current was likely to affect southern and eastern regions, while a westerly weather system was expected to impact northern parts of Pakistan, adding that on June 1, weather was expected to remain mainly hot and dry across most parts of the country.

The authority had also warned of an increased risk of landslides and rising water flows in streams and nullahs in northern regions due to rainfall.

The threat of GLOFs remained significant in G-B and upper K-P, with Shisper, Ghulkin, Darkot, Reshun, Bad Swat and other glacial zones identified as particularly vulnerable.

Heavy rainfall in mountainous areas may trigger local flooding in streams and create travel disruptions, the advisory said.

According to NDMA, at the same time, rising temperatures had heightened the risk of forest fires in parts of Balochistan, K-P, Azad Kashmir and Punjab.

The NDMA advised tourists planning visits to northern areas to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. Citizens were urged to avoid activities that could spark wildfires, including starting fires in forests or discarding lit cigarette butts.

In view of the evolving weather situation, the NDMA issued preemptive alerts to all relevant departments and emergency response agencies. The NEOC continued to monitor weather patterns, flood threats, GLOF risks and landslide hazards across the country.

The authority encouraged the public to stay informed through the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” mobile application for timely warnings and updates.