The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread pre-monsoon rains across the country from June 20 to 23, providing much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave and initiating the onset of the monsoon season.
According to PMD’s official statement on Thursday, weather systems from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, along with a westerly wave, are expected to converge over central and northern Pakistan starting June 20. These systems are likely to result in duststorms, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall across various regions.
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Areas expected to receive significant rainfall and storm activity include:
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Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and surrounding districts such as Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swat, Dir, and Bannu between June 20–23.
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Southern Punjab and parts of northeastern Balochistan, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal, will be affected from June 21–23.
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Upper Sindh regions like Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad may experience rainfall between June 22–24.
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The Met Office has warned that the inclement weather may damage loose structures such as electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels. Urban flooding is anticipated in major cities, especially Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad during peak rainfall hours.
Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities accordingly, while tourists and travelers have been urged to exercise caution in hilly and flood-prone areas.
With daytime temperatures expected to gradually subside, the rains are expected to bring temporary relief from the severe heatwave gripping the country over the past several weeks. However, authorities remain concerned about the potential for flash floods and landslides in vulnerable mountainous regions.
