ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Thursday predicted that upper and central parts of Pakistan are likely to experience varying intensities of rainfall and snowfall, along with isolated hailstorms, from February 17 to 21.
According to the Met officials, a strong westerly wave is expected to approach the western parts of Pakistan on the night of February 17 and might affect the upper and central parts of the country from February 18 onwards.
Gilgit Baltistan/Kashmir:
Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar), Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) from Beruary 17-21 with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Buner, Bajaur, Kurram, Waziristan, Kohat, Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan from February 17-20 with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.
Punjab/Islamabad:
Moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Murree, Galyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore and Kasur from February 17-21. Light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm is likely in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan on February 18-19. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.
Balochistan:
Rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel and Kohlu on February 18-19.
Sindh:
Dry weather with strong gusty winds is expected in southern parts of the province from February 18-20.
Possible Impacts and advises:
Heavy rain/snowfall may disrupt traffic and cause the closure of roads in Murree, Galyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from February 18-20.
The possibility of landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the forecast period. Wind thunderstorms/hailstorms may damage loose structures like electric poles and solar panels, etc. Farmers and tourists are advised to remain extra cautious during the spell.
