Islamabad, February 23, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for the entire country starting from February 26, 2024, warning of rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the hills in various regions.
According to the PMD, a westerly wave is expected to enter Balochistan on the night of February 25, 2024, and may extend its influence to the upper parts of the country by February 26. The meteorological conditions are likely to persist until February 27, bringing diverse weather patterns across different provinces.
Balochistan is anticipated to experience rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the hills, with heavy falls expected in several areas, including Chaghi, Noushki, Kharan, Panjgur, Gwadar, Awaran, Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbella, Sibbi, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, and Kohlu on the night of February 25 and throughout February 26.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mohmand, Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu, and Waziristan are expected to witness rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the hills from the night of February 25 to February 27, with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.
Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir are likely to experience rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the hills, affecting areas such as Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from the night of February 25 to February 27, with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.
In Punjab and Islamabad/Rawalpindi, including areas such as Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Layyah, and Dera Ghazi Khan, light to moderate rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the hills are expected on the evening/night of February 26 and February 27. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.
Sindh is forecasted to experience cloudy weather with gusty winds in the southern parts of the province on February 25 and 26.
The PMD has outlined possible impacts, advising caution as snowfall may disrupt and close roads in north Balochistan, while heavy rain may lead to flash flooding in local nullahs/streams in Balochistan, particularly in Gwadar, Ketch, Panjgur, and Awaran districts on February 26. Snowfall may also disrupt roads in various hilly regions on February 26 and 27, with the possibility of landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan during the forecast period.
Authorities, farmers, and tourists are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid untoward situations during this weather spell.
