A water-laden westerly wave will persist until June 20 in most parts of the country.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast widespread dust storms, windstorms and rainstorms in several parts of the country from June 16 as moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to enter the upper and central parts of Pakistan.
According to the Met Office, the incoming westerly wave is likely to trigger dust storms, windstorms and rainstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy rains and hailstorms in various parts of Punjab between June 16 and 20.
The affected areas include Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Pakpattan, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Khushab, Sargodha, Noorpur Thal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Kot Addu, with occasional interruptions in weather activity during the forecast period.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain, wind and thunderstorm with isolated heavy falls and hailstorm are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from June 16 to 22.
The weather phenomenon will affect Gilgit-Baltistan from June 18 to 22, bringing rains and thunderstorms, with occasional interruptions, to Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar districts.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to receive dust storms, windstorms and rainstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy showers and hailstorms in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Malakand, Bajaur, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Mohmand, Khyber, North and South Waziristan, Orakzai, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Hangu and Kurram from June 16 to 20.
In the South, the PMD forecasts weather prospects similar to those for the rest of the country.
As the westerly wave enters Pakistan, northern and north-eastern districts of Balochistan, including Zhob, Sherani, Ziarat, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Quetta, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Harnai, Sibbi, Barkhan, Khuzdar and Dera Bugti, are expected to witness dust storms, winds and rain thunderstorms, as well as isolated heavy showers and hail between the June 16 and 20.
During the same PMD forecast period, upper districts of Sindh such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Shaheed Benazirabad would brace for dust storms, windstorms and thunderstorms.
The Met office said Karachi and surrounding areas may also experience dust storms accompanied by light rain.
It warned that high winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, utility poles and billboards.
He warned that landslides could occur in sensitive areas of northern KP, GB and Kashmir as the weather phenomenon developed.
Additionally, heavy rains are expected to trigger urban flooding in major cities including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.
The PMD advised farmers to manage their farming activities in accordance with prevailing weather conditions to avoid losses.
Meanwhile, tourists and travelers have been urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense weather activity.
The department has further requested all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and implement precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incidents during the forecast period.
