Islamabad, March 12, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning regarding potential disruptions across the country due to heavy rainfall expected from March 13, 2024.
The warning encompasses various regions, anticipating flash flooding, snowfall, and other weather-related challenges.
The PMD specifically highlighted the possibility of flash flooding in local nullahs (streams) of Gwadar, Ketch, Turbat, and Panjgur. Additionally, snowfall in the northern parts of Balochistan is expected to disrupt traffic flows tonight. The areas likely to experience road closures due to heavy rain and snowfall include Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli during March 13th and 14th.
The PMD cautioned about potential landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan, which could impact vulnerable points in these areas during the upcoming wet spell. Wind-thunderstorm and hailstorm activity are also expected, with the potential to cause damage to loose structures such as electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels.
The synoptic situation indicates the influence of a westerly wave affecting western parts of the country, likely to extend to most upper and central parts on March 13th. The forecast for March 12, 2024, includes rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms with snowfall over hills in Balochistan, upper Sindh, Islamabad, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. On March 13, 2024, similar weather conditions are anticipated in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, upper Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Dry weather is expected elsewhere in the country on this day.
Over the past 24 hours, cold and partly cloudy weather prevailed across most parts of the country. Rainfall occurred at isolated places in northern Balochistan, upper/south Punjab, and Bagrote. Recorded lowest minimum temperatures include Leh at -07°C, Skardu at -05°C, Kalam at -03°C, Gupis at -02°C, and Hunza and Bagrote at -01°C.
The PMD’s timely warning serves as a vital precautionary measure for residents, businesses, and authorities to prepare for the anticipated adverse weather conditions. It is advised to stay updated on weather forecasts, follow safety guidelines, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impact of the upcoming heavy rainfall and associated weather phenomena.