By Our Correspondent
ISLAMABAD —The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dust storms, rain and thunderstorms across the upper and northern parts of the country from June 2 to June 5, warning of possible heavy rainfall and hazardous weather conditions in several regions.
In a weather advisory issued on Monday, the PMD said a westerly wave is expected to approach the upper regions of Pakistan during the forecast period, bringing unstable weather conditions.
For Punjab and Islamabad, the department predicted scattered dust storms and thunderstorms accompanied by rain. It warned that some areas, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Bahawalpur and several other districts, could experience isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
In Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the PMD forecast intermittent rain, windstorms and thunderstorms, with a possibility of heavy downpours and hail in multiple districts including Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Skardu, Hunza and Gilgit. These conditions are expected to persist between June 2 and June 6 in different phases.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also likely to experience scattered rain and thunderstorms with occasional breaks during the same period. Areas including Peshawar, Swat, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kohistan and Dera Ismail Khan are expected to be affected.
In Sindh, upper and central districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur and Ghotki may see dust storms and thunderstorms between June 2 and June 4. Meanwhile, northeastern parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Chaman and Dera Bugti, are also expected to experience similar weather conditions.
The meteorological department cautioned that the weather system could damage weak structures and increase the risk of landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from June 3 to June 6.
Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures to protect crops, while tourists have been urged to exercise caution while travelling in affected regions. Authorities have also been instructed to remain alert and take necessary safety measures during the forecast period.
