Pre‑Monsoon Spell Brings Hailstorm and Rainfall Across Major Pakistani Cities

A robust pre‑monsoon weather pattern is expected to hit Rain in Pakistan starting June 20, marking a shift from extreme heat toward a phase of intense atmospheric activity. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), this spell, which may last until June 23 or beyond, includes dust storms, rain‑wind events, intense thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms. Moist air from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, combined with an advancing westerly wave over northern regions, is fueling the instability .

Meteorological Drivers at Play
The key factors behind this weather change include:

• A cyclonic circulation over northern Balochistan directing moisture northwards, sourced from southern seas
• An upcoming westerly wave expected to impact northern and central Pakistan on June 20, destabilizing the atmosphere and triggering precipitation These elements together will generate widespread thunderstorms often laden with hail and strong winds.

Regions and Cities Under Alert

1. Upper and Central Punjab (June 20–23)
   Cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock will experience thunderstorms with potential hail, dust‑winds and sudden rain‑wind events
2. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Northern Districts (June 20–23)
   Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Swat, Mansehra, Dir, Haripur, Nowshera and other upper districts will witness gusty thunderstorms, frequent lightning and hail in elevated zones .
3. Azad Kashmir, Gilgit‑Baltistan, Murree and Galliyat (June 20–23)
   Hilly areas are likely to receive rain‑wind, thunderstorms and hailstorms, along with dust‑laden winds
4. South Punjab and Northeastern Balochistan (June 21–23)
   Regions like Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Zhob, Barkhan, Musakhel and Kalat will see dust storms and scattered showers
5. Upper Sindh (June 22–24)
   Districts such as Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu and Jacobabad are forecast to experience thunderstorms with heavy gusty winds and dust activity
6. Karachi and Southern Sindh (June 22 onward)
   Though not as intense as northern regions, Karachi may see thunderstorms and rain‑wind activity by June 22, offering a break from recent extreme temperatures

Expected Impacts of the Weather Disturbance

• Dust‑storms and Strong Winds
  Gusts reaching 50–60 km/h are likely, posing threats to electric poles, trees, solar installations and parked vehicles. Visibility may reduce notably in dust‑affected zones.
• Isolated Hailstorms
  Hail is expected in higher altitude regions and in zones prone to hail within Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, posing risk to young crops, unreinforced structures and parked vehicles .
• Urban Flooding and Flash Waterlogging
  Heavy downpours could overwhelm drainage systems in low-lying sectors of Lahore, Islamabad‑Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Sahiwal, potentially causing minor flash floods and traffic disruption
• Power and Communication Disruptions
  Lightning strikes and wind‑damaged infrastructure may lead to temporary power outages and interruptions in communication, particularly in urban centers

Advisories from Authorities and PMD

• For Farmers
  Caution is advised to protect early‑growth crops and delay irrigation until after the rains, particularly in hail‑prone areas .
• Public Safety and Travelers
  Communities are encouraged to secure loose outdoor objects, avoid travel in dust‑storm conditions and seek shelter during thunderstorms. Tourists in hill stations like Murree, Swat and Galliyat should take extra care during peak storm periods
• Disaster Management Measures
  Local disaster response teams are urged to stay alert, clear drainage systems, ensure backup power supplies, and pre‑position emergency services in flood‑prone sectors

Timeline of Key Weather Events

This pre‑monsoon episode offers a cooling respite from sweltering heat, but brings hazards that necessitate readiness and caution.