Rain, Thunderstorms Forecast in Multiple Regions; Heatwave to Subside
Widespread pre-monsoon rains are expected to hit Pakistan from June 20 to 23, providing much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Wednesday.
According to the forecast, various parts of the country will experience dust storms, rain accompanied by strong winds, and thunderstorms. Some areas may also see isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms.
The PMD attributed the incoming wet spell to moist air currents from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, coupled with a westerly weather system expected to enter northern Pakistan on June 20.
The Met Office warned that thunderstorms and gusty winds could damage vulnerable structures, including power lines, trees, solar panels, and parked vehicles. It also noted that the extreme heat is likely to ease gradually during this period.
Rainfall Outlook by Region
- June 20–23:
Upper and central Punjab, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, and Sargodha will see rain and thunderstorms.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, rain is forecast in Peshawar, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Dir, and Waziristan, along with Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Murree, and Galliyat. - June 21–23:
Scattered rain is expected in southern Punjab and northeastern Balochistan, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Zhob. - June 22–24:
Pre-monsoon activity is predicted to extend to upper Sindh, affecting Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad.
The PMD also issued an urban flooding warning for low-lying areas of Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Islamabad during intense rainfall.
Farmers have been advised to schedule their agricultural activities accordingly. The public, especially tourists, are urged to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone or hazardous regions.
“All relevant authorities are advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions to prevent any adverse situations,” the PMD stated.
