Pakistan Weather Alert: Brace for Heavy Rain and Snow
Pakistan faces a significant weather alert as heavy rain and snowfall are forecast across the country. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a detailed forecast, indicating widespread impacts. Furthermore, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urges citizens to take proactive precautions. This robust weather system will affect various regions in the coming days, prompting widespread advisories.
A shallow westerly wave is currently approaching Pakistan. It will enter the upper parts of the country by the evening or night of January 16th, persisting until January 19th. Consequently, initial weather changes are expected during this period. The system will intensify significantly from January 20th. By January 21st, its influence will extend across most of the nation, bringing more widespread conditions.
Northern Regions Anticipate Rain and Snowfall
Northern areas will experience the first impacts of this weather system. Gilgit-Baltistan is forecast to receive rain-wind/thunderstorms, along with light to moderate snowfalls. This includes regions like Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Guanche, and Shigar. Likewise, Kashmir will see similar conditions. Areas such as Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, and Haveli are also in the forecast. These conditions are expected from the evening/night of January 16th to January 19th, with occasional breaks.
Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts are also on alert. Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, and Bunner can anticipate these weather patterns. Additionally, light rain and snow are predicted for Murree, Galliyat, and surrounding areas. This is expected from January 18th to January 20th, affecting popular hill stations.
Widespread Rain and Thunderstorms Expected Across Pakistan
As the weather system strengthens, widespread rain-wind/thunderstorms will cover a larger geographical area. Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, Murree, Galliyat, and Islamabad will experience these conditions. The Potohar region, encompassing Rawalpindi and Jhelum, is also included. Several districts in Punjab will face this adverse weather. These include Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions. Similar weather is expected in various Khyber Pakhtunkhwa divisions, namely Peshawar, Hazara, Malakand, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan. This extensive activity is forecast from January 20th to January 23rd, with intermittent periods of calm weather.
Heavy Snowfall Warning: Key Regions on Alert
Certain areas are under a specific heavy snowfall warning. These include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Battagram, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. Hill stations such as Murree and Galliyat are also expected to receive significant snow accumulation. Furthermore, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Haveli, and Rawalakot are on high alert for intense snowfall. This heavy snowfall is predicted from the night of January 20th to January 23rd, with possible intermittent breaks, creating challenging travel conditions.
Balochistan and Sindh: Detailed Weather Forecast
The southerly parts of Pakistan will also feel the effects of this developing weather system. Balochistan is expected to experience rain-wind/thunderstorms on January 21st and 22nd. This covers a vast area, including Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noushki, Harnai, Zhob, Kalat, Barkhan, Sibi, Loralai, Musakhel, Turbat, Gawadar, Jiwani, Lasbella, Kech, Awaran, Chaghi, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Washuk, and Kharan. Similarly, Sindh will see comparable conditions on January 22nd and 23rd. This includes major cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Jacobabad, Naushero Feroz, Kashmore, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpurkhas, and Ghotki. Additionally, moderate to heavy snowfall is anticipated in specific Balochistan regions. These are Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Noushki, Harnai, and Zhob during this period, necessitating travel precautions.
Staying Safe During the Pakistan Weather Alert: NDMA Advisories
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued crucial advisories for this Pakistan weather alert. They strongly urge all citizens to remain vigilant and well-prepared. Heavy rain can unfortunately lead to flash floods and urban flooding. Significant snowfall might block roads, especially in mountainous areas, posing considerable risks. Therefore, continuously monitor local weather updates. Avoid unnecessary travel during peak adverse weather conditions to ensure safety. If travel is essential, however, always check road conditions beforehand. Also, ensure your homes are adequately prepared for winter weather, including checking heating systems and securing loose outdoor items.
Local authorities are actively taking steps to manage potential impacts from this weather event. However, individual preparedness plays a truly vital role in ensuring collective safety. Keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible. Inform family members about your travel plans if you must go out. Let’s work together to navigate through this challenging weather period safely and responsibly.
