Pakistan’s northern regions are bracing for snowfall on Saturday, April 20, 2024, according to the latest forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The weather agency has issued advisories predicting a mix of rain, wind, and thunderstorms across several parts of the country, including the mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and the Pothohar region.
The PMD’s weather forecast for Friday, April 19, 2024, already hinted at inclement weather conditions, with rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms expected in many areas. This forecast extends to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad, and northern Baluchistan. Additionally, the forecast suggests the likelihood of snowfall in the mountainous regions of the north.
Warnings have been issued by the PMD regarding potential hazards associated with the anticipated weather. There is a heightened risk of flash flooding in local nullahs (streams) and rivers in various regions, including Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Manshera, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and tributaries of the Kabul River. Landslides are also a concern in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan, posing threats to vulnerable areas.
The adverse weather conditions may result in damage to standing crops, infrastructure such as electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels due to windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning strikes.
Explaining the synoptic situation, the PMD cited the influence of a strong westerly wave affecting the upper parts of the country, contributing to the erratic weather patterns.
Over the past 24 hours, rainfall has been recorded in various parts of the country, with significant precipitation in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, northern, and central Balochistan, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan. Some notable rainfall figures include Karoor (Layyah) in Punjab with 43mm, Kakul in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 28mm, and Garhi Dupatta in Kashmir with 31mm.
Furthermore, maximum temperatures recorded on the previous day indicated relatively high temperatures in some areas, such as Bahawalnagar in Punjab, where temperatures soared to 40°C.
As the weather situation unfolds, residents and authorities in the affected regions are urged to stay updated on the latest forecasts and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential risks associated with the anticipated snowfall and adverse weather conditions.
