Another spell of heavy rains, snowfall expected

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has alerted authorities concerned about possible rain-wind/thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills in Balochistan and upper parts of the country on Feb 26 and 27.

Heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding in local nullahs in Balochistan while snowfall in hilly areas may disrupt or cause closure of roads during the period.

A westerly wave was likely to enter Balochistan on Feb 25 (night) and may grip the upper parts of the country on Feb 26. Under the influence of this weather system, in Balochistan, rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Chaghi, Noushki, Kharan, Panjgur, Gwadar, Awaran, Khuzdar, Kalat, Lasbella, Sibbi, Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel and Kohlu on Feb 25 (night) and Feb 26.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mohmand, Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Kohat, Bannu and Waziristan from Feb 25 (night) to Feb 27 with occasional gaps.
Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza,
Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar.

In Kashmir, rain-wind/thunderstorm is likely in Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from Feb 25 (night) to Feb 27 with occasional gaps.

Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

In Punjab/Islamabad, light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Bhakkar, Layyah and Dera Ghazi Khan on Feb 26 (evening/night) and Feb 27.

Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.

In Sindh, cloudy weather with gusty winds is expected in southern parts of the province on Feb 25 and Feb 26.
About the possible impacts, the PMD said snowfall may disrupt and cause the closure of roads in north Balochistan and heavy rain may cause flash flooding in local nullahs/streams in Balochistan particularly in Gwadar, Ketch, Panjgur and Awaran districts on Feb 26.

Snowfall may disrupt roads in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli on Feb 26 (evening/night) and Feb 27.

The possibility of landslides in upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the forecast period.

Wind thunderstorms may damage loose structures like electric poles, vehicles and solar panels etc.

The Met office advised the farmers and tourists to remain extra cautious during the spell. “All concerned authorities are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.”