Islamabad, November 6, 2023 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a significant weather alert, forecasting thundershowers and snowfall in the upper areas of Pakistan starting from November 8.
A shallow westerly wave is currently affecting the western parts of the country and is expected to extend its influence to the upper regions in the evening or night of November 8, 2023, persisting until the afternoon of November 10.
This weather system is set to bring about various weather conditions across different parts of the country, with areas like Quetta, Kharan, Harnai, Chaman, Ziarat, Qilla Abdullah, Qillah Saif Ullah, Loralai, Pishin, Zhob, Musa Khel, Sibbi, Mastung, Kalat, Noshki, and Chaghi expected to experience light to moderate rain, wind, and thunderstorms from the evening of November 6 to the evening of November 7.
For November 7, regions including Dera Ismail Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sargodha, Mianwali, Khushab, Islamabad, and the Pothohar region should anticipate light rain and thunderstorms during the evening and night.
As the weather system advances, on November 8 and 9, a broader area is likely to be affected. Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Bhakkar, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sheikhupura, and Hafizabad should brace for light to moderate rain, wind, and thunderstorms. Some isolated areas may even experience hailstorms.
The northern regions, including Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) and Gilgit Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), are expected to experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms, along with snowfall in the high mountainous areas. This weather pattern will persist from the evening of November 8 until the afternoon of November 10.
Additionally, fog and smog may develop in patches across the plains of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly during late night and early morning hours.
The anticipated weather conditions during this period may lead to a 2 to 3-degree Celsius drop in day temperatures. Farmers in barani (rain-fed) areas are advised to adjust their crop activities accordingly, considering the changing weather. Moreover, tourists and travelers planning to visit the northern areas are advised to exercise caution and prepare for varying weather conditions during their journeys.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department is closely monitoring the situation and providing regular updates. It is crucial for residents, farmers, travelers, and tourists to stay informed and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety and well-being during this period of changing weather.