On Monday, 12th June, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted and announced the presence of an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (BIPARJOY) over the East-central Arabian Sea.
This implies that heavy wind-dust/thunderstorm and rainfall is expected in the country in the coming days from the 13th to the 17th of June 2023.
The Storm Over the Arabian Sea
PMD has located the storm to be at 19.5°N and 67.7°E, at a distance of 600 km south of Karachi and at 580 km south of Thatta.
The storm will move northward till the 14th of June, around morning time. Additionally, a westerly wave is also likely to enter in upper parts of the country on the 14th of June.
Thunderstorms in Sindh and Balochistan
From 13th to 17th June, widespread wind/dust/thunderstorms and rainstorms with some very heavy falls will be accompanied by squally winds of 80-100 Km/hour gusting at 120km/hour, likely in Thatta, Badin, Tharparker, Sujawal, Mirpurkhas, and Umerkot districts.
From 14th -16th June, thunderstorms/rain accompanied by winds at speeds of 60-80 km/hour are likely in Karachi, Tando Muhammad Khan, Dadu, Hyderabad, Allayar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar.
Rain/wind thunderstorms are also expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Zhob, Larkana, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Naseerabad, Sibbi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, and Makran coast.
Thunderstorms in KP and Punjab
From 13th and 14th June, storms will also impact areas in KP and Punjab, including, but not limited to, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Tank, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat, Bannu, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Murree, Galliyat, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, and Lahore.
Thunderstorms in Kashmir
From 15th to 18th June, more rain-dust/thunderstorms with a few hailstorms are expected in Kashmir in Neelum Valley, Hattian, Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur and some other areas.
Advice to the Public – PMD Warnings
Below are the general guidelines and warnings issued by the PMD:
- High-intensity winds may affect vulnerable structures (katcha houses), solar panels, etc.
- Storm surges of 3-3.5 meters may cause coastal flooding
- Fishermen are strictly advised not to venture into the open sea till 17 June
- Farmers are advised to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast
- Tourists are advised to remain extra cautious
- The general public is advised to stay in safe places
