Islamabad, October 12, 2023 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert, warning of a fresh spell of thunderstorms set to sweep across Pakistan from October 14 to 17, with intermittent gaps.
The Met Office has stated that a westerly system is expected to enter the upper regions on the evening of October 13 and will gradually extend to the upper and central areas by the night of October 14.
Northern Regions: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir/Gilgit-Baltistan
The incoming weather system is expected to have significant impacts on various regions across Pakistan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forecast predicts rain, wind, and thunderstorms with moderate to isolated heavy falls in several districts. These include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Swabi, Khyber, Mohmand, Bajaur, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Waziristan, and Dera Ismail Khan from the evening of October 13 to October 17. Additionally, there is the possibility of snowfall in the high mountains and isolated hailstorms in the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during this period.
Meanwhile, in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, residents can expect rain, wind, and thunderstorms with moderate to isolated heavy falls. This will affect areas such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur, Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar from the night of October 13 to October 17. Snowfall is also anticipated in the high mountains of these regions during this period.
Punjab and Islamabad
The spell of adverse weather conditions will not spare Punjab and Islamabad. Residents in these areas should prepare for moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms. The affected regions include Islamabad, Potohar region, Murree, Galiyat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujranwala, Gujrat, M.B. Din, Hafizabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Noorpurthal, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, and Kasur. This weather will persist from the night of October 13 to October 17. Furthermore, rain, wind, and thunderstorms are also expected in Layyah, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Sahiwal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan on the evening of October 16 to October 18, with intermittent gaps.
Sindh and Balochistan
Sindh and Balochistan will not be spared either. Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Sanghar, and Umerkot are expected to experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms on the evening of October 17 and 18.
In Balochistan, similar conditions are expected in Sherani, Musa Khel, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Loralai, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibbi, Bolan, Kalat, Harnai, Naseerabad, Dera Bugti, Jaffarabad, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Quetta, and Ziarat on the same dates.
Impacts and Advisories
The upcoming weather conditions could have several significant impacts. In areas like Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, and Abbottabad, moderate to heavy rainfall may increase water flows in local nullahs and streams and could potentially trigger landslides. Urban flooding is a concern in Rawalpindi and Lahore on the evenings of October 15 and 16.
Additionally, a significant drop in temperatures is expected, which could affect daily life and outdoor activities.
In light of these forecasts, farmers are advised to adjust their crop-related activities accordingly, and tourists and travelers are urged to exercise caution during the specified period to ensure their safety.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary to keep the public informed and prepared for the impending weather conditions.
READ MORE: PMD Predicts Dry Weather in Most Parts of Pakistan on October 10
