Rain, thunderstorms likely in parts of country from June 11 to 13: PMD
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather advisory warning of dust storms, windstorms, and thunderstorms across the upper and central regions of the country from June 11 to June 13. A western disturbance is expected to enter the upper parts of the country, accompanied by moist currents from the Arabian Sea, which the Met Office says will intensify overall weather activity.
Did You Know? The upcoming weather pattern is expected to impact a wide geographic range, spanning from the hilly regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan down to the central districts of Sindh and Balochistan.
Regions Facing Potential Disruption
According to the PMD, the weather system is likely to bring scattered rain and windstorms to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and numerous districts across Punjab. Impacted areas include Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Murree. Residents in these locations may experience occasional gaps in precipitation alongside the predicted dust and windstorms.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forecast includes areas such as Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, and Bannu. Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir are braced for scattered thunderstorm activity, with the PMD specifically noting the risk of isolated heavy falls and hailstorms in regions including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Skardu, and Hunza. Southwestern regions are not exempt; the PMD expects dust storms and rain in northeastern Balochistan, including Zhob and Ziarat, as well as several districts in Sindh such as Sukkur and Larkana.
Risks to Infrastructure and Public Safety
The Met Office has warned that the incoming weather poses a threat to weak infrastructure. Strong windstorms and lightning may cause damage to billboards, electric poles, and solar panels. Furthermore, heavy rainfall is likely to trigger urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas of major cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the combination of moist Arabian Sea currents and a western disturbance creates a heightened risk environment. For residents in hilly zones, the primary concern remains the potential for landslides, while urban centers face the immediate challenge of drainage systems being overwhelmed by rapid, heavy downpours.
Precautionary Measures
Authorities have advised farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops from the anticipated hail and high winds. Tourists and travelers are urged by the Met Office to avoid unnecessary travel during the three-day window to minimize exposure to hazardous road conditions or potential landslides in vulnerable hilly areas. Relevant authorities are expected to remain vigilant to mitigate the impact of the predicted weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the current weather system affect the country?
The PMD states the western disturbance is expected to approach the upper parts of the country on June 11 and persist through June 13.
Which regions are most at risk of flash flooding?
The Met Office has identified low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad as being at risk for urban and flash flooding.
What specific hazards are expected alongside the rain?
The forecast warns of dust storms, windstorms, hailstorms, lightning, and potential landslides in the hilly areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
Are you prepared for the potential impact of these weather conditions in your area?