PMD forecasts heavy rain, thunderstorms across Pakistan next week

PMD also predicted heavy snowfall across various regions due to strong westerly weather system

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The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted widespread rain, thunderstorms, and heavy snowfall across various regions as a strong westerly weather system moves in.

The system is expected to enter western Pakistan on the evening of February 24, extending to the upper parts by February 25 and persisting in northern areas until March 2.

According to the PMD, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir will witness heavy snowfall and thunderstorms from February 25 to March 2. Affected areas include Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, and Poonch.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience heavy rain and snowfall in Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Peshawar, among others, from February 24 night to March 1. Meanwhile, Murree, Galliyat, and surrounding areas will see moderate to heavy snowfall from February 25 to March 1.

Rain and thunderstorms are also forecasted for Punjab, with Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sialkot among the affected cities. Some southern districts, including Multan and Bahawalpur, will receive rain from February 25 to 27.

Balochistan’s Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, and other high-altitude areas will see snowfall between February 24 and 26. Light rain is also expected in parts of Sindh, including Larkana and Sukkur, on February 25-26.

The PMD has warned of travel disruptions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, and parts of KP and Gilgit-Baltistan due to heavy snowfall. Flash floods could impact vulnerable areas in KP and Kashmir between February 25 and March 1. Landslides are also a risk in mountainous regions.

Authorities have been advised to remain on high alert, while tourists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. The PMD noted that the rainfall will be beneficial for standing crops, particularly in Barani (rain-fed) areas of Punjab and KP.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) have been directed to implement safety measures to prevent any untoward incidents.