Islamabad, February 1, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert for Balochistan, forecasting thundershowers and heavy rains on February 2, 2024.
The department has warned that the anticipated precipitation may lead to flash flooding in various areas of the province, persisting until February 3.
In its report for Friday, February 2, the PMD predicts cold and partly cloudy weather in most parts of the country. However, it anticipates rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with the likelihood of snowfall over mountains in Balochistan, Sindh, and western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The synoptic situation indicates the presence of a westerly wave over the upper regions of the country, expected to impact southern and western areas from the evening onwards.
The weather update for Thursday, February 1, 2024, notes that cold weather prevailed in most parts of the country, with some areas experiencing partly cloudy conditions. Isolated instances of rain, wind, and thunderstorms (along with snowfall in mountainous regions) were anticipated in Gilgit Baltistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and the Pothohar region. Heavy rain and snowfall were likely at isolated locations in Kashmir, while fog was expected in a few places in south Punjab and upper Sindh during the night.
Over the past 24 hours, rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall occurred in several regions, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, the Pothohar region, Islamabad, northeast and central Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Fog was reported in some plain areas of south Punjab and upper Sindh.
Notable rainfall amounts (in millimeters) were recorded in various areas: Muzaffarabad (Airport 42, City 26), Rawalakot 38, Islamabad (Zero Point 37, Saidpur 29, Bokra 28, Golra 27, Airport 19), Rawalpindi (Shamsabad 37, Chaklala 22, Kacheri 16), and many others across Punjab. Snowfall (in inches) was observed in mountainous regions, including Malamjabba, Kalam, Murree, Astore, and Chitral.
The PMD’s recorded lowest minimum temperatures for the day were Leh -07, Kalam, Gupis -05, Astore -04, Kalat, and Rawalakot -03.
The weather alert serves as a precautionary measure for residents, travelers, and local authorities in Balochistan. People are advised to stay informed about further updates and take necessary precautions to ensure safety in the wake of the anticipated thundershowers and potential flash flooding.