Pakistan braces for week-long widespread rains from June 16

Widespread rain and gusty winds with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are expected in Pakistan during this week. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, a westerly wave is set to enter the upper parts of the country on June 16 and is likely to remain active until June 22. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea are also expected to affect upper and central regions from June 16 onward. Under the influence of this system, rain accompanied by gusty winds, heavy falls in isolated areas and hailstorms are forecast across various parts of the country between June 16 and June 22, with occasional breaks. In Punjab and Islamabad, dust storms, rain, thunderstorms, and isolated heavy showers with hail are likely from June 16 to June 20 in areas including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, and several surrounding districts. For Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, scattered rain and thunderstorms with possible heavy falls and hailstorms are expected in areas such as Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Mirpur, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, and Astore. The weather activity is expected to continue in Kashmir from June 16 to June 22, while Gilgit-Baltistan will likely see rainfall from June 18 to June 22. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to witness dust storms, thunderstorms, and rainfall with isolated heavy downpours and hailstorms from June 16 to June 20. Affected districts include Swat, Chitral, Dir, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and tribal districts. In Balochistan, northern and northeastern districts including Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Khuzdar, Kohlu, Sibbi, Barkhan, and Dera Bugti are likely to experience strong winds, thunderstorms, and rain between June 16 and June 20. Upper Sindh districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Khairpur, Dadu, Ghotki, Kashmore, and Shaheed Benazirabad are expected to receive dust storms and thunderstorms during the sam