The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a significant weather alert, forecasting heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across the country’s upper regions from April 16 to 19. The department has warned of potential flash floods and landslides, urging authorities and the public to remain vigilant.
Widespread Weather System to Impact Multiple Regions
According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre, a westerly wave is expected to approach northwestern Pakistan on April 16, persisting in upper areas until the 19th. This system is predicted to bring:
- Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms.
- Strong windstorms and thunderstorms.
- Potential flash flooding in vulnerable mountainous areas.
- Risk of landslides in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Kashmir.
Detailed Regional Forecast and Impacts
The PMD provided a breakdown of expected conditions:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Gilgit-Baltistan: Widespread rain and thunderstorms are forecast from Thursday evening in districts including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Peshawar, and the tribal districts. Moderate to heavy falls are expected in GB areas like Diamir, Astore, and Gilgit.
Kashmir: Rain with thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms is anticipated in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, and Mirpur from April 17-19.
Punjab & Islamabad: Rain with isolated hailstorms is likely in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sialkot from April 16-18. Windstorms may affect areas like Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan.
Balochistan & Sindh: Showers are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, and Chaman on April 17-18, with windstorms likely in upper Sindh.
Official Warnings and Public Advisory
The PMD has highlighted several risks associated with the incoming weather:
- Flash floods in vulnerable nullahs of upper KP, GB, and Kashmir.
- Landslides in susceptible mountainous regions.
- Damage to weak structures and standing crops in KP and upper Punjab from hailstorms and lightning.
The department has advised all concerned authorities to take necessary measures to “avoid any untoward situation.” Tourists and travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel during the forecast period.
