Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a spell of rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms across various parts of the country from March 24 to March 30, with intermittent gaps.
According to a press release issued on Monday, a western disturbance is expected to enter southwestern Balochistan on the evening or night of March 24. The system is likely to intensify from the night of March 27 and may persist until March 31.
In Balochistan, rain accompanied by wind and thunderstorms, including a few heavy falls and isolated hailstorms, is expected in areas such as Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, the Makran coast, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Kharan, Chaghi, Quetta, and surrounding districts. The weather activity is likely to occur from March 24 (evening) to March 25 (night), and again from March 27 (night) to March 29 (morning), with occasional gaps.
For Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PMD has predicted rain and thunderstorms with snowfall over hilly areas in regions including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, and adjoining districts from March 25 (evening/night) to March 26 (morning). A more widespread spell, with isolated heavy falls, is expected from March 28 to March 30. Hailstorms may also occur at isolated locations during this period.
In Punjab, rain, windstorms, and thunderstorms, along with isolated hailstorms, are likely in cities including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Multan, Bahawalpur, and others from March 25 to March 26 (morning), and again from March 28 (evening) to March 30. Similar conditions are expected in Murree, the Galiyat region, and Islamabad.
Sindh is also expected to receive rain and thunderstorms in areas such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Thatta on March 25 and 26, and again from March 28 to March 29.
In Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, rain and thunderstorms with snowfall over hilly areas are forecast from March 25 (evening/night) to March 26, and from March 28 to March 30. Isolated heavy falls and hailstorms are also possible in parts of Kashmir.
The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in parts of Balochistan between March 25 and 28, and in local streams and nullahs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from March 28 to March 30. There is also a risk of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.
Windstorms, hail, and lightning may damage weak structures, including electric poles, solar panels, and billboards. Standing crops in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh could also be affected.
The Met Office has advised farmers to take precautionary measures in line with the forecast, while tourists and travellers have been urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary movement during the period. Authorities have been directed to stay vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent any untoward incidents.
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