Islamabad, February 29, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting widespread thunderstorms across all provinces in Pakistan on Friday, March 1, 2024.
The weather outlook anticipates rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms, with heavy snowfall expected in the hilly regions.
In its detailed weather forecast for March 1, the PMD highlights the likelihood of extensive rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, areas in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab, and Kashmir are expected to experience widespread heavy rain, with isolated hailstorms during the mentioned period.
The PMD has issued warnings for potential flash flooding in specific regions. Local nullahs (streams) in Gwadar, Ketch, Turbat, Panjgur, Awaran, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Dalbandin, Khuzdar, and Dera Ghazi Khan may experience flash flooding on February 29 and March 1. Further warnings indicate the risk of flash flooding in hill torrents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, and local nullahs of Islamabad/Rawalpindi on March 1 and 2.
Heavy rain and snowfall may lead to road closures in various areas, including Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli on March 1 and 2. Landslides are also a concern in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan, potentially affecting vulnerable points in these regions. Loose structures, such as electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels, may face damage due to wind-thunderstorms and hailstorms.
The synoptic situation, as explained by the PMD, indicates the influence of a strong westerly wave affecting western parts, expected to extend across most of the country from tonight until March 3.
Looking back at the weather on Thursday, February 29, 2024, rain-windstorm, and thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) were anticipated in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and south/central Punjab. Balochistan experienced widespread heavy rain and isolated hailstorms, while north Balochistan saw heavy snowfall during this period. Rain-windstorm, thunderstorm, and snowfall in the mountains were expected in upper Sindh, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Pothohar region during the evening and night.
Over the past 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, with Balochistan experiencing rain-thunderstorm and snowfall in the mountains. Recorded rainfall and snowfall figures include Quetta (City, Samungli 21 mm), Dalbandin 11 mm, Nokkundi 05 mm, Zhob 04 mm, Kalat 02 mm, and Panjgur and Turbat 01 mm. Ziarat witnessed 01 inch of snowfall.
The recorded lowest minimum temperatures during this period include Leh -08°C, Kalam -06°C, Astore, Gupis, Skardu -03°C, Malam Jabba, and Hunza -02°C.
Residents and authorities are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions in light of the forecasted weather conditions to ensure safety and mitigate potential risks associated with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation.
