The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast indicating the likelihood of rain in various parts of Sindh, including the bustling metropolis of Karachi, on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
This forecast comes amidst a synoptic situation influenced by a strong westerly wave affecting western regions of the country, expected to extend its impact across many areas until April 15.
For Saturday, April 13, 2024, partly cloudy weather is anticipated across most districts of Sindh. However, the PMD predicts rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in several districts, including Dadu, Jamshoro, Larkana, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Mithi, Padidan, and Kashmore. Karachi might also experience drizzles or light rain during the night hours.
This weather pattern is not confined to Sindh alone. The PMD’s countrywide forecast for April 13, 2024, suggests the possibility of rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms in various regions, encompassing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, upper Sindh, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas. Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms are expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, northeastern and southern Balochistan, and Punjab. Snowfall is also forecasted on high mountains in Upper Khyber.
In light of these predictions, the PMD has issued warnings of potential flash floods in local nullas of several areas, including Dera Ghazi Khan, Lasbella, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Barkhan, Zhob, Sherani, Muslim Bagh, Turbat, Harnai, Kohlu, Naseerabad, and Jafarabad from April 12 to 14. Low-lying areas may also face flooding during this period. Moreover, heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding in local nullahs and streams of Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Manshera, tributaries of Kabul River, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir from April 13 to 15.
The synoptic situation, characterized by the influence of a potent westerly wave, is expected to persist, affecting most parts of the country until April 15. As of Friday, April 12, 2024, partly cloudy to cloudy weather prevailed across most regions. However, rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms were observed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, the Potohar region, south Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas. Isolated instances of heavy rainfall and hailstorms occurred in eastern and northeastern Balochistan.
In the past 24 hours, rain, wind, and thunderstorms were reported in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northeast Balochistan, and Garhi Dupatta. Significant rainfall measurements were recorded in various areas, including Garhi Dupatta in Kashmir with 18mm, Kalam and Malam Jabba in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 18mm and 17mm respectively, and Quetta in Balochistan with 6mm.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded today were in Shaheed Benazirabad at 43°C, and Khairpur, Padidan, and Sukkur at 42°C.
As the nation braces itself for potential weather-related challenges, citizens are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to ensure safety and mitigate risks associated with the forecasted conditions.
