PMD Warns of Storms, Hail as Biparjoy Nears

News Desk

Islamabad: Pakistan is expected to witness a mix of intense heat and unstable weather over the next 24 hours as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast dust storms, thunderstorms, rain and isolated hailstorms across several regions, while Cyclone Biparjoy continues to advance over the Arabian Sea.

According to the PMD, rain accompanied by gusty winds and isolated hail is likely in Kashmir, Islamabad, upper Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, east and south Balochistan, and central Sindh. Lower Sindh is expected to experience more severe weather, including heavy rainfall, powerful dust storms and thunderstorms.

The department said dust-raising winds are also likely over the country’s plain areas, although hot and humid conditions will continue to dominate much of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) Biparjoy was located around 410 kilometres south of Karachi near latitude 21.2°N and longitude 66.6°E. The cyclone is expected to continue moving north over the next 12 hours before recurving northeast on June 14. It is forecast to make landfall between Keti Bandar in southeastern Sindh and India’s Gujarat coast on the evening of June 15.

The PMD said a westerly weather system is also influencing parts of the country, contributing to the expected thunderstorms and rainfall.

Over the past 24 hours, most areas remained hot and dry, though scattered rain was reported in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and lower Sindh. Upper Dir received the highest rainfall of 10mm, followed by Mirkhani (8mm), Kalam (6mm), Pattan (5mm), Hafizabad (4mm), Murree (3mm), Chitral (3mm), Rawalakot (2mm), Kakul (2mm), Garhi Dupatta (1mm), Saidu Sharif (1mm), Gupis (1mm) and Badin (1mm).

The highest temperatures recorded across the country were 47°C in Turbat, while Dadu, Bhakkar, Dalbandin, Sibbi and Jacobabad each recorded 44°C.

Separately, the local Met Office forecast continued hot and dry weather in Swabi over the next 24 hours. The district recorded a maximum temperature of 41°C and a minimum of 31°C during the previous day, with similar conditions expected to persist.