ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s weather office issued a nationwide advisory on Monday, warning of a significant spell of rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms set to lash the upper and northwestern regions of the country starting Tuesday evening.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that a “westerly wave” is expected to approach the northwestern border on April 16. The weather system is forecast to persist over the country’s northern latitudes through April 19, bringing a volatile mix of isolated heavy falls, hailstorms, and high-altitude snowfall.
Regional Impact and Forecast
Northern Territories and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The PMD anticipates intense atmospheric activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where rain and windstorms are expected to hit districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, and Peshawar. Authorities have warned of isolated heavy falls and hailstorms that could disrupt daily life in the provincial capital and surrounding valleys.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, the system is expected to deliver moderate to heavy snowfall over mountainous terrain. Areas such as Diamir, Skardu, and the Neelum Valley are on high alert for significant temperature drops and potential road closures due to the late-season snow.
Punjab and Balochistan
The capital, Islamabad, along with its twin city Rawalpindi, is expected to experience rain and windstorms between April 16 and 18. The advisory extends to major urban centers in Punjab, including Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala.
In Balochistan, the weather system will likely affect Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman on April 17 and 18. While the southern province of Sindh is expected to remain largely dry, the PMD warned of “dust-raising winds” in the upper parts of the province during the same period.
Risks to Infrastructure and Agriculture
The Met Office has underscored several hazards associated with the incoming system. A primary concern remains the risk of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, particularly between April 17 and 19.
“Windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may cause damage to weak structures,” the PMD stated in its advisory. This includes potential threats to electric poles, solar panels, and outdoor advertisements.
Agricultural experts have expressed particular concern regarding standing crops. The timing of the hailstorms and strong winds coincides with critical periods for various harvests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab. Farmers have been urged to take proactive measures to mitigate losses and manage their harvests according to the shifting conditions.
Safety Recommendations for Travelers
Government officials have advised tourists and travelers to exercise extreme caution. The combination of heavy rain and potential landslides in the northern tourist belt often leads to significant traffic delays and safety risks on narrow mountain passes.
As the westerly wave progresses, the PMD will continue to provide real-time updates. Emergency services across the affected provinces have been placed on standby to respond to any flash flooding or structural damage resulting from the thunderstorms.
The upcoming wet spell marks a period of heightened weather volatility for Pakistan as it transitions through the spring season, necessitating high levels of vigilance from both the public and private sectors.