Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a weather alert, warning of widespread thunderstorms, rain and possible hailstorms as a strong westerly weather system moves into Pakistan over the coming days. This system could bring significant rainfall as well as gusty winds in northern and western regions of Pakistan.
PMD issued a statement Wednesday afternoon explaining that a weather system began entering western Balochistan late Tuesday night, slowly spreading eastward. Heavy effects are likely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Sindh and Balochistan with Islamabad and Rawalpindi likely experiencing moderate to heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning strikes.
“Due to this westerly wave, thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify over the next 48 to 72 hours,” according to a PMD spokesperson. This may result in localized urban flooding as well as transportation disruption in northern and upper-central Pakistan.
Due to extended rainfall, the department issued a warning about potential landslides in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir mountainous regions, as well as travelers visiting tourist spots like Murree, Swat, and Hunza for tourism purposes are advised to remain up-to-date on weather forecasts and exercise caution when making their plans.
Karachi should expect isolated pockets of light to moderate rain, though most areas are expected to see dusty winds and overcast skies. Coastal areas could experience wind gusts up to 50 km/h which poses risks to small boats and fishermen. Sindh Disaster Management Authority has issued advisories to local authorities so they remain on high alert.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has directed provincial departments to ensure emergency response teams and drainage systems in urban centers are properly maintained. Citizens have also been instructed to limit unnecessary travel, secure loose objects outdoors and remain indoors during periods of heavy winds or lightning.
The PMD cautioned that while rainfall would provide welcome relief from recent heatwaves, it also poses potential hazards if proper precautions aren’t taken. Farmers were warned to plan their crop activities carefully since water accumulation could damage wheat or other winter crops nearing harvest time.
Meteorologists attribute such sudden weather shifts to broad changes in climate trends that are becoming more apparent across South Asia.