KARACHI, April 26, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert forecasting heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms and potential flash floods across various regions of Pakistan, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, starting Saturday, April 27, 2024.
The PMD’s latest weather update predicts that a strong westerly wave affecting the western and upper parts of the country is expected to bring heavy rains and thunderstorms to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and northeastern parts of Balochistan. Particularly intense showers are anticipated in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kashmir, where heavy rainfall could lead to isolated hailstorms.
Friday’s forecast also suggests a continuation of the rainy and stormy weather, with conditions likely worsening into Saturday. This storm system has already brought rainfall to isolated areas across Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, south Punjab, Kashmir, and upper Sindh in the last 24 hours, while most parts of the country remained dry and hot, especially in the southern regions.
The PMD has raised concerns about the likelihood of flash floods in local nullahs and streams, especially in regions like Noushki, Ziarat, Pishin, Harnai, Zhob, Barkhan, and Naseerabad in Balochistan from tonight until April 27. Similar warnings have been issued for Dir, Swat, Chitral, Manshera, Kohistan, and Kashmir, which may experience flash floods from April 27 to 29.
Moreover, there is a potential risk of landslides in the vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan during the same period. Residents and travelers in these regions are advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary journeys.
The PMD has also warned of windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning strikes, which could pose risks to human life and damage property, including crops, loose structures, electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels.
Recent rainfall data from the PMD highlights significant precipitation across the country, with Balochistan’s Khuzdar recording 27 mm, followed by Panjgur with 15 mm, and Quetta (Samungli area) with 20 mm. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Malam Jabba received 23 mm of rain, while Kakul and Parachinar each recorded 17 mm.
The temperature across the country varied, with Kasur experiencing the highest maximum temperature today at 42 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Shaheed Benazirabad and Larkana at 41 degrees Celsius.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have urged the public to stay updated on weather reports and follow any advisories issued by local disaster management authorities. The PMD’s forecast suggests that the westerly wave will persist over the next two to three days, potentially extending the adverse weather conditions across the affected regions.
