A fresh wave of pre-monsoon showers is expected to sweep through various regions of Pakistan between June 20 and 23, bringing with it strong winds, possible hail, and weather-related risks, according to a new advisory issued by the Meteorological Department.
The weather alert outlines scattered rain and thunderstorms across northern and central Pakistan, including Islamabad, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Rainfall is also predicted in Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, and Sialkot, among other cities.
Further showers are anticipated in Narowal, Faisalabad, and Jhang, as well as across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa such as Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Swat, Dir, and Malakand. Major urban hubs like Peshawar, Mardan, and Swabi are also expected to receive rain.
In Balochistan, light to moderate rainfall is forecasted for Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhel, and Kalat. Meanwhile, Sindh’s northern belt—comprising Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu, and Jacobabad—is likely to see rainfall accompanied by strong gusts from June 22 to 24.
The department has cautioned the public about possible hazards during this wet spell, warning of powerful winds and hail that could damage infrastructure. Risk factors include falling trees, dislodged solar panels, and structural collapses, especially in densely populated areas. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and adopt safety measures.
This forecast follows an earlier projection by the Met Office indicating the onset of the pre-monsoon season around June 22, with countrywide rainfall expected to exceed the norm by 25%.
In preparation for potential flooding, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab has finalized emergency response plans, particularly for vulnerable urban areas and flood-prone zones.
Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of PDMA Punjab, confirmed readiness to manage any crisis triggered by excessive rain. He also noted that cities such as Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Sialkot, and Gujranwala could receive up to 60% more rainfall than the average monsoon levels, increasing the likelihood of urban flooding and drainage issues.
Karachi enjoyed mild weather on Thursday as sea winds returned, keeping the skies partly cloudy. Temperatures hovered around 32°C, with humidity at 64%, making for a bearable day in the southern port city.
However, forecasters predict that Karachi will likely experience monsoon showers between June 25 and July 2 as the system moves into the region. Temperatures during this period are expected to remain steady at around 32°C.
The warmest cities on Thursday were Sibi and Bahawalpur, each recording highs of 42°C. Other notably hot areas included DI Khan, Multan, Sargodha, and Faisalabad at 39°C. Islamabad, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi were slightly cooler at 38°C, while Quetta and Sialkot registered 36°C. Muzaffarabad and Gilgit recorded 35°C, and Karachi remained relatively moderate at 33°C.
