PMD Issues Nationwide Rain, Thunderstorm and Hail Alert from June 11 to 13

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread dust storms, rain, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms across large parts of the country from June 11 to June 13, urging authorities to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to prevent any loss of life or property.

According to the PMD, a western weather system is expected to enter the upper regions of Pakistan on June 11 and remain active until June 13. At the same time, moist currents from the Arabian Sea are likely to penetrate upper and central parts of the country, creating favorable conditions for rain-bearing weather systems.

The department stated that Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat and dozens of districts across Punjab are expected to experience dust storms, strong winds, rain and thunderstorms during the forecast period. Some areas may also receive heavy rainfall and hail, increasing the risk of flash flooding and damage to infrastructure.

Major cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Gujrat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Attock, Bahawalpur, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan and Sahiwal are among the regions likely to be affected by the weather system.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, widespread rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms is expected in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan. Similar weather conditions are forecast for tribal districts and mountainous regions.

The PMD has also predicted rain and thunderstorms in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Bagh, Kotli and Mirpur, while Gilgit-Baltistan districts such as Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Diamer, Astore, Ghizer and Ghanche are also expected to receive rainfall.

In Balochistan, northeastern districts including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Qilla Saifullah, Barkhan and Dera Bugti may witness dust storms and thunderstorms. Upper Sindh districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki and Shikarpur are also likely to experience strong winds and dust storms.

The PMD warned that strong winds, lightning and hail could damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electricity poles, trees and advertising billboards. Authorities have also been alerted about the possibility of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Sialkot if heavy downpours occur within a short period.

Furthermore, landslides may occur in vulnerable mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, potentially affecting transportation routes and local communities.

Following the weather advisory, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) directed all district administrations to remain fully prepared. District Emergency Operations Centres have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock staffing and ensure close coordination with emergency response agencies.

The PDMA has also ordered the deployment of additional personnel and resources in high-risk areas and directed authorities to provide timely weather updates and safety information to the public through electronic and social media platforms.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 has been directed to keep emergency teams and equipment on standby, while the Motorway Police have been instructed to issue regular traffic advisories and provide real-time updates on road conditions.

The PMD advised farmers to plan agricultural activities according to weather conditions and urged tourists and travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms. Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to minimize risks during the three-day weather spell.