Islamabad, February 28, 2024 – Pakistan is bracing itself for widespread rains over the next three days, starting February 29, 2024, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The weather forecast for February 29 anticipates widespread rain accompanied by windstorms, thunderstorms, and snowfall over the hills in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Balochistan is expected to experience widespread heavy rain and hailstorms during this period.
The PMD has issued a warning, cautioning that heavy rainfall may result in flash flooding in local nullahs of Gwadar, Ketch, Turbat, Panjgur, Awaran, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Dalbandin, Khuzdar, and Dera Ghazi Khan on February 29 and March 1. Additionally, heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding in hill torrents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, and local nullahs of Islamabad/Rawalpindi on March 1 and 2.
The forecast also indicates that heavy rain and snowfall may lead to road closures in various areas including Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli on March 1 and 2. Landslides are expected in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan, potentially affecting vulnerable points in these regions.
The PMD explains that a strong westerly wave is likely to approach western parts of the country on February 29 and is expected to grip most parts of Pakistan on March 1, persisting until March 2.
As of Wednesday, cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, with very cold and partly cloudy conditions in northern areas. Cloudy weather with rain, wind, thunderstorms, and snowfall over hills is predicted in northern and southern Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Over the past 24 hours, cold and dry weather dominated most parts of the country, while rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall over mountains occurred in Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan. Notable rainfall in Balochistan included Jiwani with 137mm and Gawadar with 125mm. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Drosh received 01mm of rain, and in Gilgit Baltistan, Skardu experienced 01mm of rainfall. Snowfall in Skardu measured 0.4 inches.
Recorded lowest minimum temperatures during this period were Leh at -10°C, Kalam at -06°C, Skardu and Gupis at -04°C, and Malam Jabba, Hunza, and Astore at -03°C.
Residents and travelers are advised to stay updated on weather conditions, exercise caution, and adhere to safety guidelines, especially in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and adverse weather conditions during this period of anticipated heavy rainfall and snowfall.
