Islamabad:Rain, windstorms and thunderstorms are expected in several parts of the country today (June 16) as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued warnings of possible landslides in hilly areas and urban flooding in major cities.
According to the PMD, a westerly wave is likely to affect the upper parts of the country, while moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also expected to penetrate upper and central regions, triggering widespread unstable weather conditions.
Under the system, scattered dust storms, rain and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat and most districts of Punjab from June 16 to 20 with occasional gaps.
Heavy rainfall may also affect Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad and surrounding areas during this period. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-wind and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls are likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad and adjoining districts from June 16 to 20.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir is expected to receive scattered rain and thunderstorms from June 16 to 22, while Gilgit-Baltistan may experience similar conditions from June 18 to 22, with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
In Balochistan, dust storms and rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected in northern and northeastern districts, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Harnai, Sibi and Khuzdar from June 16 to 20. Upper Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Khairpur, is also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, while Karachi may witness dust storms with light rain during the forecast period.
The PMD warned that strong winds, lightning and hailstorms may damage weak infrastructure such as electric poles, solar panels and billboards. It cautioned that landslides may occur in vulnerable areas of upper KP, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, while heavy rain could trigger urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Faisalabad. It advised farmers, tourists and travellers to remain cautious, stay vigilant and take precautionary measures.
