Pakistan continues to grapple with the onslaught of torrential rains as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts the continuation of inclement weather across multiple regions on Monday, April 15, 2024.
The relentless downpour has caused widespread disruption, affecting various parts of the country.
In its weather forecast for April 15, the PMD has highlighted that torrential rains persist in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and upper/southwestern Balochistan. Additionally, isolated areas within these regions, particularly Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, upper Balochistan, and the Potohar region, may experience heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstorms. Furthermore, snowfall is expected in the mountainous areas of the north.
The prevailing weather conditions are attributed to a strong westerly wave impacting most parts of Pakistan, with moisture from the Arabian Sea penetrating into the southern regions.
Sunday, April 14, witnessed a similar deluge across Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and lower Sindh. The PMD has issued warnings regarding the possibility of flash floods in various areas, including nullas/streams of regions such as Koh-e-Suleman, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Zhob, and others. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding during this period.
Torrential rains may also lead to flash flooding in local nullahs/streams and potential landslides in specific locations of Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat, and others. These weather conditions are expected to persist from April 14 to 15.
Over the past 24 hours, most parts of Pakistan experienced cloudy weather accompanied by rain and wind/thunderstorms. Significant rainfall was recorded in various areas, with notable figures including 90mm in Pasni (Balochistan), 58mm in Malam Jabba (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and 29mm in Surjani Town (Karachi).
The recorded highest maximum temperatures for the day were Mithi at 40°C, Shaheed Benazirabad at 39°C, and Larkana at 38°C.
The extensive rainfall has posed challenges to local infrastructure and agriculture, while also increasing the risk of natural disasters such as flash floods and landslides. Authorities are urging residents to take precautionary measures and remain vigilant during this period of adverse weather conditions.
As the torrential rains persist, the PMD continues to monitor the situation closely, providing timely updates and warnings to ensure the safety and well-being of the populace. However, the ongoing downpour continues to disrupt daily life across Pakistan, underscoring the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.