Islamabad, February 26, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a flash flooding alert for Balochistan on Monday following heavy rainfall.
The warning indicates potential disruptions due to snowfall leading to road closures in north Balochistan, while heavy rain may result in flash flooding in local nullahs/streams, particularly in Gwadar, Ketch, Panjgur, and Awaran districts on February 26. Snowfall may also disrupt roads in various hilly regions on the evening/night of February 26 and throughout February 27.
The synoptic situation, according to PMD, is influenced by a westerly wave affecting Balochistan and is expected to persist over the next 48 hours. The weather forecast for February 26, 2024, predicts rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over hills) with gusty winds/windstorm in Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, south Punjab, Photohar region, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas. Isolated heavy falls are expected in northern and southwestern Balochistan during this period.
Moving to the weather forecast for February 27, 2024, rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over hills) with gusty winds/windstorm is anticipated in north and southwest Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas. Cold and partly cloudy weather is expected in other parts of the country.
Over the past 24 hours, cold and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country. However, rain-thunderstorm, accompanied by snowfall over mountains, occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, upper Sindh, and Murree. The recorded rainfall and snowfall figures include Parachinar 12mm, Bannu 08mm, Malamjabba 03mm, Quetta (Samungli 04mm, Sheikh Manda 01mm), Nokkundi 02mm, and Dadu 02mm. Additionally, snowfall was reported in Ziarat (05 inches), Malam Jabba (01 inch), and Murree (0.5 inches).
The lowest minimum temperatures recorded today were Leh -16°C, Kalam -08°C, Astore -06°C, Skardu, Malam Jabba -05°C, and Hunza, Gupis, and Bagrote -04°C.
The PMD’s alert underscores the need for residents in the affected regions to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions in light of the expected weather conditions. Authorities are likely to closely monitor the situation and respond promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities in the face of potential flooding and road disruptions.
