Islamabad, November 13, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for upper regions of the country, predicting rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the mountains for the next three days. This weather activity is expected to affect various areas from the evening of November 14 through the morning of November 16.
The PMD reported that a frontal weather system is moving toward upper Pakistan and will likely bring significant thunderstorm activity, accompanied by strong winds and heavy rainfall. This system is anticipated to impact regions including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, and Mansehra, along with several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Thunderstorm conditions are also expected to bring snowfall in mountainous areas, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions.
In addition to the primary regions, light rain and thunderstorm activity are expected to reach cities such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad, as well as some parts of Balochistan, including Quetta and Ziarat, on November 14 and 15. The PMD warns that these thunderstorms could intensify smog clearance in the Islamabad and Pothohar regions while also improving air quality across affected areas.
The department also cautioned farmers to consider the thunderstorm forecast when planning their agricultural activities, as heavy rain and strong winds could disrupt fieldwork. Travelers and tourists heading toward upper Pakistan have been advised to monitor the forecast closely and plan their travel accordingly to avoid being caught in severe weather or on hazardous mountain roads during snowfall.
The PMD noted that thunderstorm activity may subside smog levels in the Pothohar region and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab, bringing temporary improvement in air quality. However, following the wet spell, dense fog is likely to develop in the plains of Punjab, impacting visibility for road users and air travelers.
Authorities across impacted areas are advised to stay on high alert during the thunderstorm period, ready to implement safety measures if conditions worsen. The PMD emphasized that all relevant departments should take proactive steps to prepare for potential disruptions, particularly in regions susceptible to landslides and flash floods due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity.
The PMD assured the public that it will continue to monitor weather developments and provide updates as needed, ensuring that authorities and residents remain informed throughout the forecasted thunderstorm period.
