Islamabad: Offering a brief respite from the sweltering heat, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast dust-laden thunderstorms, rain and isolated hailstorms across upper and central parts of the country from today (Tuesday) to Friday (June 5) as a westerly weather system approaches and is expected to persist for some days.
Under the influence of the system, scattered dust and thunderstorm rain is expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat and multiple districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. Some areas could experience heavy downpours and hailstorms with intermittent breaks, according to an advisory issued by the PMD.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-wind and thunderstorm activity with possible hail is forecast across most districts, including Peshawar, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Abbottabad, Mansehra and Dera Ismail Khan. Similarly, Azad Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive widespread rain and thunderstorms from June 2 to 5, while Gilgit-Baltistan will see activity from June 4 to 6.
The PMD said Balochistan and Sindh would also receive rain spells. In Balochistan, northeastern districts including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman and Qila Abdullah are likely to experience dust storms followed by rain and thunderstorms until June 4.
Upper Sindh is also expected to be affected, with Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu and surrounding areas forecast to receive dust storms and rain-thunderstorm activity from June 2 to 4. The PMD warned that windstorms, lightning and hail could damage weak structures such as electric poles, solar panels and billboards. Also, landslides are likely in vulnerable hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, particularly from June 3 to 6.
