Islamabad, April 15, 2024 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning of a strong weather system set to affect various parts of the country starting from April 16.
The announcement comes amidst forecasts of increased rainfall, wind, thunderstorms, and even snowfall in some regions, prompting authorities to advise precautionary measures.
According to the latest weather advisory released by the PMD, a potent westerly wave is expected to enter western parts of Pakistan on the night of April 16, subsequently spreading across different regions. The weather system is predicted to bring significant precipitation and other weather phenomena to various parts of the country from April 17 to April 22.
Forecast for Different Regions:
Balochistan: Heavy rainfall, wind, and thunderstorms, with isolated very heavy falls, are expected in several districts including Gwadar, Kech, Awaran, Chagi, Kharan, Lasbella, Khuzdar, Kalat, and others from April 16 (night) to April 19 (morning).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms, accompanied by snowfall over high mountains, are anticipated in districts such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Kohistan, and others from April 17 (night) to April 21. Hailstorms are also likely at isolated places during this period.
Gilgit-Baltistan/Kashmir: Rain, wind, and thunderstorms, along with snowfall over high mountains, are forecasted in various districts including Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, and others from April 18 to April 22.
Punjab/Islamabad: Rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with a few heavy falls and hailstorms, are expected in regions such as Murree, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and others from April 18 to April 21. Some districts may experience occasional gaps in precipitation during this period.
Sindh: Rain, wind, and thunderstorms are anticipated in cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and others from April 17 (night) to April 19 (morning).
Possible Impacts and Advisories:
• Heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding in local streams and nullahs, particularly in Balochistan and certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from April 17 to April 20.
• Landslides are a possibility in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan during April 18 to April 21.
• Windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning may cause damage to crops, structures, vehicles, and solar panels during the forecast period.
• Farmers, especially in wheat-harvested areas, are advised to take precautionary measures.
• Tourists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
• Temperatures are expected to drop during the wet spell.
Authorities have advised all concerned parties to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to mitigate potential risks during the forecasted weather conditions.
Conclusion:
As Pakistan braces for the arrival of the strong weather system, vigilance and preparedness are paramount to minimize any adverse impacts. The Met Office’s warning underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure in the face of challenging weather conditions. Citizens are urged to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with authorities to ensure collective resilience and readiness in dealing with the anticipated weather events.