Islamabad, March 2, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather forecast indicating an anticipated surge in rainfall and thunderstorms in the capital city, Islamabad, on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
The PMD predicts cloudy weather with chances of rain-wind thunderstorms in Islamabad and the surrounding areas for the specified date.
For Saturday, March 2, 2024, the PMD stated that intermittent rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad and adjacent regions. Additionally, heavy falls and hailstorms are likely to occur in certain areas during this period.
The PMD’s countrywide weather forecast for Sunday, March 3, 2024, predicts more rain-wind/thunderstorm activities, including snowfall over the hills, in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Islamabad, and the Potohar region. Conversely, cold and dry weather is expected in other parts of the country.
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, the PMD expects widespread rain-windstorms/thunderstorms, with heavy snowfall over the hills, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, upper Punjab, and north Balochistan. Heavy rainfall and isolated hailstorms are anticipated at scattered places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, upper Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during this period.
The synoptic situation, according to the PMD, involves a strong westerly wave affecting most parts of the country, likely to persist in the upper regions until the following day.
The PMD has issued an alert, cautioning that heavy rainfall may result in flash flooding in hill torrents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, and local nullahs in Islamabad/Rawalpindi on March 2nd. Furthermore, heavy rain and snowfall may lead to road closures in areas such as Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli. The potential for landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan may impact vulnerable points in those regions. Wind-thunderstorms and hailstorms could cause damage to loose structures like electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels.
In the past 24 hours, the weather has seen rain-wind thunderstorms, with snow over mountains, occurring in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Sindh, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan. Heavy rainfall has been reported in isolated places across these regions.
Recorded rainfall measurements include notable figures such as Dir (Upper 93 & Lower 83), Takht Bai 80, Peshawar (Airport 70 & City 65), Rawalakot 69, Karachi (Quaidabad 46, DHA 41, Korangi 39), and many others. Snowfall measurements have been recorded in various inches, such as Kalam (26), Chitral (25), and Malam Jabba (11).
As the nation braces for the upcoming weather events, citizens are advised to stay informed, follow local authorities’ guidelines, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being. The PMD will continue to monitor the evolving weather conditions and provide updates as needed.