Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a comprehensive weather advisory for tourist destinations across the country, effective from Monday, April 15, 2024.
The advisory warns of intermittent rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in various regions, posing potential risks to travelers and residents alike at the tourist destinations.
According to the Pakistan Met office, popular tourist spots such as Murree, Galliyat, Kaghan, Naran, Abbottabad, Kalam, Malam Jabba, Saidu Sharif, Chitral, Dir, Gilgit, and Hunza are expected to experience intermittent rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms throughout Monday. Additionally, heavy rainfall is forecasted in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan, heightening the risk of landslides in these areas.
The weather outlook for Tuesday and Wednesday suggests partly cloudy conditions in most places, providing temporary relief from the inclement weather. However, the advisory warns of a resurgence of rain, wind, and thunderstorms in tourist destinations from Thursday to Friday.
In specific areas such as Ziarat and its vicinity, Monday is expected to bring rain and windstorms, followed by dry weather on Tuesday. However, residents and travelers are advised to brace for more rain, wind, and thunderstorms from Wednesday to Friday in these regions.
The weather advisory also issues a warning regarding the possibility of heavy or torrential rainfall, which may trigger flash floods in local nullahs and streams, with the potential for landslides in several areas including Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat, Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Manshera, Malakand, Kalam, Drosh, Saidu Sharif, Shangla, Naran, Kaghan, and tributaries of the Kabul River on April 15.
The synoptic situation, as described by meteorological experts, indicates the influence of a strong westerly wave affecting upper parts of the country, contributing to the adverse weather conditions.
Monday’s weather forecast predicts further rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and upper Punjab. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms are also anticipated in isolated areas of upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, with the possibility of snowfall in hilly areas of Kashmir and northern regions.
Over the past 24 hours, many parts of the country have already experienced cloudy weather with rain, wind, and thunderstorms. Significant rainfall has been recorded in various regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Punjab, Balochistan, and Gilgit Baltistan, affecting local communities and transportation networks.
As a precautionary measure, travelers planning visits to tourist destinations in Pakistan are urged to stay informed about weather updates, exercise caution, and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities. Additionally, residents in flood-prone areas are advised to take necessary precautions to mitigate risks associated with heavy rainfall and potential flash floods.
In conclusion, the weather advisory highlights the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of challenging weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of safety and well-being for all residents and visitors to Pakistan’s picturesque tourist spots.
