Islamabad, February 19, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning about an upcoming spell of thunderstorms expected to hit the country from February 25, 2024.
Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz, Chief Meteorologist at PMD, revealed that the weather system is anticipated to bring rain, hailstorms, and snow across various regions, impacting Karachi city and Balochistan province with light showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
In an interview with a private news channel, Dr. Sarfaraz explained that the forecasted spell is part of a larger weather pattern driven by westerly waves, promising substantial rainfall and snowfall in northern areas starting from the upcoming week. The meteorologist highlighted that the colder temperatures associated with winter are intensifying, evident in the recent rain showers that covered Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Kashmir.
“We are expecting significant precipitation from February 25, continuing possibly till March or even extending into April due to the influence of westerly waves,” said Dr. Sarfaraz. He emphasized that the anticipated snowfall in the northern regions during this period could alleviate issues related to fog and smog in the country.
As the ongoing rain spell commenced on Sunday, several areas experienced partly cloudy skies, drizzles, and snowfall, expected to persist until Wednesday. The winter chill returned to various parts of the country, and notable rainfall and snowfall were recorded in Rawlakot, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Swat, Gilyat, and Murree.
Swat district witnessed a drop in temperatures as rain blanketed the plains and light snowfall covered the mountaintops. Dr. Sarfaraz cautioned the public to take necessary precautions during the anticipated weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for potential disruptions.
Responding to inquiries, he mentioned that popular tourist destinations like Swat and Chitral are expected to experience heavy snowfall during this weather spell. The influx of tourists to these areas, coupled with adverse weather conditions, prompted the meteorologist to advise travelers to exercise caution and stay informed about the evolving weather situation.
The announcement of the upcoming weather system serves as a reminder for residents and authorities to make necessary preparations for potential disruptions in daily life. As Pakistan braces for the fresh spell of thunderstorms, the PMD continues to closely monitor the situation and provide regular updates to keep the public well-informed about the evolving weather conditions.