The Meteorological Office has announced that a potent westerly wave is expected to approach the western regions on February 29th, extending its influence across most parts of the country by March 1st and persisting until March 2nd.
In anticipation of this weather phenomenon, the following forecasts have been issued:
Balochistan: Anticipate widespread heavy rainfall accompanied by windstorms/thunderstorms, with the likelihood of snowfall over the hills in areas including 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 February 29th to March 1st. Isolated occurrences of hailstorms are also probable during this period.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Brace for heavy to extremely heavy widespread rainfall, coupled with windstorms/thunderstorms and heavy snowfall in mountainous regions such as 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 February 29th to March 3rd. Expect isolated hailstorms during this period as well.
Also Read: Devastating Rainfall Hits Gwadar
Gilgit-Baltistan/Kashmir: Prepare for heavy to extremely heavy widespread rainfall accompanied by windstorms/thunderstorms and snowfall in regions including Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) and Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from February 29th to March 3rd. Isolated occurrences of hailstorms are also anticipated during this timeframe.
Punjab/Islamabad: Expect widespread heavy rainfall accompanied by windstorms/thunderstorms 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 1st & 2nd. Heavy snowfall is forecasted in Murree, Galliyat, and surrounding areas during this period, with rain, wind, and thunderstorms expected in other regions such as 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: Anticipate rain, wind, and thunderstorms in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Khairpur, and Mirpurkhas on February 29th & March 1st. Isolated occurrences of hailstorms are also expected during this period.
Possible Impacts and Advisories:
- Flash flooding may occur in local streams in various regions, particularly in Balochistan, Punjab, and Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
- Road closures are likely in hilly areas due to heavy snowfall, including Murree, Galliyat, and others.
- Landslides may pose risks in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan.
- Loose structures such as electric poles, vehicles, and solar panels may sustain damage from wind, thunderstorms, and hailstorms.
- Tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, and farmers are urged to take precautions to protect their crops.