PMD forecasts dust storms, thunderstorms in parts of country from June 2-5

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday predicted dust storms, rain and thunderstorms in several upper parts of the country from June 2 to June 5 as a westerly weather system is expected to enter the region.

In its advisory, the PMD said the incoming westerly wave would affect upper areas of the country during the forecast period and could trigger unstable weather conditions in multiple regions.

According to the department, different cities of Punjab and Islamabad are likely to receive dust storms and thunderstorms accompanied by rain. Heavy downpours and hailstorms may also occur at isolated places.

The areas expected to be affected include Islamabad, 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.

The PMD said scattered rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are also expected in several areas of Azad Kashmir from June 2 to June 5. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms may occur at isolated locations in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, intermittent rain and thunderstorms are likely in Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar between June 4 and June 6.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to experience scattered rain and thunderstorms with breaks in between from June 2 to June 5. The affected districts include 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.

In Sindh, upper districts including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad are likely to witness dust storms and thunderstorms from June 2 to June 4.

Meanwhile, northeastern parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti, are also expected to receive dust storms and thunderstorms during the same period.

The weather department warned that strong winds, heavy rain and hailstorms could damage weak and vulnerable structures in affected areas.