WEB DESK (MNN); The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country from March 24 to March 30, with intermittent breaks, as a strong western weather system approaches.
According to the Met Office, the system is expected to enter southwestern Balochistan on March 24 and intensify from March 27 night, likely persisting until March 31.
Under its influence, Balochistan is expected to receive rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms, with occasional heavy downpours and isolated hailstorms in areas including Panjgur, Turbat, Gwadar, Quetta, Khuzdar, Chaman, Zhob, and surrounding districts during two phases: March 24–25 and March 27–29.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms with snowfall over hilly regions are expected between March 25 and 26, followed by a more widespread spell from March 28 to 30. Areas likely to be affected include Chitral, Swat, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Punjab is also expected to experience rain and windstorms, along with isolated hailstorms, in cities such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Sialkot, and Bahawalpur during March 25–26 and again from March 28 to 30. Similar conditions are forecast for Murree, Galiyat, and Islamabad.
In Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Thatta, rain and thunderstorms are likely on March 25–26 and March 28–29.
Meanwhile, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir are expected to receive rain and snowfall in mountainous regions during the same periods, with chances of heavy falls and hailstorms at isolated locations.
The PMD has warned of possible landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. Flash floods are also expected in Balochistan between March 25 and 28, and in streams and nullahs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from March 28 to 30.
Authorities cautioned that windstorms, hailstorms, and lightning could damage weak infrastructure such as electric poles, billboards, and solar panels, as well as standing crops in several regions.
Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures, while tourists and travellers are urged to avoid unnecessary movement and remain cautious. The Met Office has also directed relevant authorities to stay vigilant and take necessary steps to prevent any untoward incidents.
