The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a widespread spell of rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms across large parts of the country from June 16 to June 20, driven by a westerly weather system and moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea.
According to the Met Office, a westerly wave is expected to enter the upper regions of Pakistan on June 16 and remain active through June 20. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also likely to penetrate upper and central parts of the country during the same period, increasing the chances of rainfall and thunderstorms.
Punjab and Islamabad are expected to receive scattered rain and thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds and isolated heavy downpours or hailstorms. Areas likely to be affected include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, the Galliyat region, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, and several other districts.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are forecast in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Malakand, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and surrounding areas from June 16 to June 20.
Kashmir is expected to experience intermittent rain and thunderstorms from June 16 to June 22, while Gilgit-Baltistan is likely to receive rainfall between June 18 and June 22. Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are also possible in some locations.
In Balochistan, rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast in northern and northeastern districts, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Harnai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibbi, and Dera Bugti from June 16 to June 20.
Upper Sindh districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, and Shikarpur are also expected to receive rain and thunderstorms during the forecast period. Karachi and nearby areas may experience dust storms along with light rainfall.
The PMD has warned that strong winds, lightning, and hailstorms could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles, and billboards. The department has also cautioned that heavy rainfall may trigger urban flooding in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad.
Landslides are possible in vulnerable mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir between June 16 and June 21.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities according to weather conditions, while tourists and travelers are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
