The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has announced the arrival of pre-monsoon rains across the country starting June 20, offering relief from the ongoing intense heatwave. The wet spell, which is expected to last until June 23 with occasional gaps, will bring dust storms, wind, thundershowers, and in some areas, heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
According to PMD, moist air currents from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are entering the upper and central parts of the country. In addition, a westerly wave is forecast to hit upper regions on June 20, creating unstable weather conditions and increasing the likelihood of storms.
In Punjab, areas including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Sialkot are expected to experience rain, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy falls. The rainfall may also extend to other cities like Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, and Mianwali. Similarly, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—including Peshawar, Abbottabad, Swat, and Dir—will see similar weather activity.
Rain and thunder are also forecast for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, and Galliyat. From June 21 to 23, areas in south Punjab and northeastern Balochistan—such as Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Zhob, and Kalat—are expected to receive dust storms and scattered showers.
Meanwhile, from June 22 to 24, parts of upper Sindh, particularly Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad, are also likely to experience thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The PMD has issued a warning that windstorms and lightning could damage weak infrastructure, including electric poles, trees, solar panels, and parked vehicles. Urban flooding may occur in low-lying areas of Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala due to heavy downpours.
Farmers are advised to adjust agricultural plans based on the weather forecast, while the general public, travelers, and tourists are urged to exercise caution and avoid travel to flood-prone areas.
All relevant authorities have been asked to stay alert and take preventive steps to avoid any emergency situations during the coming days. The expected rain is likely to ease the ongoing heatwave that has gripped large parts of the country.
