ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Meteorological Department has issued a nationwide weather alert, warning of thunderstorms, hailstorms and heavy rainfall in several parts of the country on June 11 and 12, while temperatures in southern regions are expected to remain significantly above normal.
The department said daytime temperatures in southern Pakistan could rise 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages. It warned that strong winds, hail and lightning could damage weak structures, solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.
Authorities also warned of urban flooding and flash floods in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad due to intense rainfall.
The weather department said a low-pressure system is affecting northern Balochistan and nearby areas, while an upper-air high-pressure system remains in place. Western weather systems are expected to enter northern Pakistan from Friday. Moist winds from the Arabian Sea are also likely to move toward northeastern parts of the country.
In Islamabad and surrounding areas, weather is expected to remain hot and partly cloudy on Thursday. Dust storms, strong winds and thunderstorms are likely during the evening and night.
Most districts of Punjab will experience hot and dry conditions during the day. However, thunderstorms and rain are forecast for Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Layyah, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Bahawalnagar and Dera Ghazi Khan. Some areas may receive heavy rainfall and hail.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most districts will remain hot and dry, with severe heat expected in southern areas. Thunderstorms and rain are likely in Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan and Parachinar during the evening and night.
Sindh will continue to experience hot and dry weather. Temperatures in Sukkur, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Ghotki, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze could remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal.
Most parts of Balochistan will also remain hot and dry. A severe heatwave is expected to persist in central and southern districts. Temperatures in Sibi, Turbat, Panjgur, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Barkhan, Nasirabad, Kalat and nearby areas may remain 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above seasonal averages.
Authorities forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of hail and heavy downpours at some locations during the night. Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to experience partly cloudy weather with isolated thunderstorms and rain.
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The Meteorological Department urged residents, local administrations and emergency agencies to take precautionary measures. It advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and to stay away from weak structures and vulnerable installations.
