ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rain-wind, dust storms, and thunderstorms across the upper and various plains of the country from June 16 to June 20, 2026.
A westerly wave is expected to enter the upper regions of Pakistan on June 17, triggering a significant change in the weather system.
Under this system, rain-wind and thunderstorms are anticipated in twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Narowal, and Sialkot.
Similar weather conditions are predicted for Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, and Sargodha.
In Southern Punjab, wind and rain are expected in Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar, while thunderstorms are forecast for Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Sahiwal.
The weather system will also impact Gilgit-Baltistan, with rain and wind forecast for Diamer, Astore, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghizer, Ghanche, and Shigar.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, thunderstorms are expected in several districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, and Abbottabad, as well as the central and southern districts of the province.
For Balochistan, strong winds and rain are forecast in Zhob, Quetta, Khuzdar, and Lasbela, while Sindh’s Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Ghotki will experience thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, Karachi and Hyderabad are expected to experience dusty winds. Concurrently, severe heatwave conditions are likely to persist across most plain areas of the country until June 18.
The PMD has warned that heavy downpours could trigger flash flooding in local nullahs and cause landslides in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, potentially disrupting traffic flow.
Farmers are advised to manage their agricultural activities according to the weather forecast, while tourists and travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution during their journey to northern regions.
Furthermore, relevant authorities have been directed to remain alert to handle any emergency situations during this period.
Pre-Monsoon Rains in Pakistan
Pre-monsoon rains in Pakistan usually occur during the month of June, serving as a critical transitional phase between the intense summer heatwaves and the arrival of the formal monsoon season.
Driven primarily by westerly waves and early moisture currents from the Arabian Sea, these spells bring brief but intense showers, dust storms, and thunderstorms across the country.
For a nation heavily reliant on agriculture, pre-monsoon precipitation is highly significant as it provides timely relief to parched lands and helps farmers prepare fields for the upcoming Kharif cropping season.
However, this period also introduces immense challenges.
The sudden nature of these storms frequently leads to urban flooding in major cities, causes infrastructural damage through high-velocity winds, and triggers hazardous landslides in mountainous northern terrains.
Consequently, weather advisories during this period are essential for public safety, agricultural management, and disaster risk reduction.
