Pakistan is set to receive widespread pre-monsoon rainfall from June 20 to 23, offering relief from the severe heatwave gripping several regions, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Wednesday.
The wet spell is expected to bring dust storms, rain-wind and thundershowers to large parts of the country, with isolated areas also likely to experience heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
The PMD said unstable weather would develop due to moist currents from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, as well as a westerly wave expected to enter the upper parts of the country on June 20.
“Windstorms and lightning may cause damage to vulnerable structures such as electric poles, trees, solar panels, and parked vehicles,” the Met Office warned. It added that the ongoing heatwave was likely to subside gradually during the forecast period.
From June 20 to 23, rain and thunderstorms are forecast in upper and central Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Sargodha.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s upper districts — including Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dir and Waziristan — will also experience rain and gusty winds. Similar conditions are expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Murree and Galliyat.
The Met Office predicted more scattered rain from June 21 to 23 in parts of south Punjab and northeastern Balochistan, particularly Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Zhob.
From June 22 to 24, pre-monsoon activity is likely to reach Sindh’s upper districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu and Jacobabad.
The department warned of possible urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Islamabad during heavy downpours.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities accordingly. The public and tourists were urged to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable or flood-prone areas.
“All concerned authorities are advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to mitigate any untoward situation,” the PMD said.
