The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday forecast widespread dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms across several parts of the country from June 16, as moist currents from the Arabian Sea are expected to penetrate upper and central regions of Pakistan.

According to the Met Office, the incoming westerly wave is likely to trigger scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms in various parts of Punjab between June 16 and 20.

The impacted 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 gaps in weather activity during the forecast period.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain, wind and thunderstorms with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms 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 June 22, resulting in rain and thunderstorms, with occasional gaps, in the Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar districts.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also expected to receive scattered dust storms, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy downpour 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 predicts a similar weather outlook to that of the rest of the country.

As the westerly wave enters Pakistan, northern and northeastern 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, windstorms and rain-thunderstorms along with isolated heavy showers and hailstorms between June 16 to 20.

During the same PMD forecast period, the 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 its surrounding areas may also experience dust storms accompanied by light rain.

It warned that strong winds, hailstorms and lightning could damage vulnerable infrastructure, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards.

It cautioned that landslides may occur in susceptible areas of northern K-P, G-B and Kashmir as the weather phenomenon unfolds.

Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected to trigger urban flooding in major cities, including Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore and Faisalabad.

The PMD advised farmers to manage agricultural activities in accordance with prevailing weather conditions to avert losses.

Meanwhile, tourists and travellers have been urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during spells of intense weather activity.

The department further directed all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and implement precautionary measures to prevent any untoward incident during the forecast period.