In a weather update issued today, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted torrential rainfall and heavy snowfall with windstorms, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms in most parts of the country from February 29th to March 2nd, 2024.
According to the Met Office, a strong westerly wave is likely to approach western parts on February 29th, grip most parts of the country on March 1st, and persist till March 2nd.
Balochistan
Widespread heavy rain with windstorm/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Nokkundi, Dalbandin, Chagi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Awaran, Turbat, Kech, Gwadar, Jiwani, Pasni, Ormara, Panjgur, Kharan, Noushki, Washuk, Mastung, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, Kohlu, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah and Qila Saifullah from 29th Feb & 01st March. Isolated hailstorm is also likely during the period.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Heavy to extremely heavy widespread rain with windstorm/thunderstorm (Heavy snowfall over the hills) is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Bajaur, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan from 29th Feb to 03rd March. Isolated hailstorm is also likely during the period.
Gilgit Baltistan/Kashmir
Heavy to extremely heavy widespread rain with windstorm/thunderstorm & snowfall is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) and Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur) from February 29th to March 3rd. Isolated hailstorm are also likely during the period
Punjab and Islamabad
Widespread heavy rain with a windstorm/thunderstorm is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, and Bhakkar on March 1 and 2. Heavy snowfall is also expected in Murree, Galliyat, and surrounding areas during the period.
Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Multan, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar from February 29th to March 2nd. Isolated hailstorms are also likely during this period.
Sindh
Rain or thunderstorms are expected in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Khairpur, and Mirpurkhas on February 29th and March 1st. Furthermore, isolated hailstorms are also likely during this period.
Possible Impacts and Advice
- Heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding in local nullah’s of Gwadar, Ketch, Turbat, Panjgur, Awaran, Barkhan, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Dalbandin, Khuzdar, and Dera Ghazi Khan on February 29 and March 1, while heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding in hill torrents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, and local nullah’s of Islamabad/Rawalpindi on March 1 and 2.
- Heavy rain/snowfall may cause the closure of roads in 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 in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan may affect the vulnerable points in the area.
- wind-thunderstorm/hailstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, Vehicles, solar panels, etc.
- Tourists are advised not to travel unnecessarily, while Farmers are advised to remain cautious about their crops
The PMD urged concerned authorities to remain vigilant and “alert” and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.
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