PMD Warns Hailstorm in Central, Upper Regions

APP

Islamabad: A potent westerly wave will enter Pakistan on Saturday, ushering in moderate to heavy rain, wind, thunderstorms, isolated hailstorms, and snowfall in the central and upper regions from February 17 (night) to February 21.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts that the westerly wave will approach western areas on February 17 (night) and is expected to affect the upper and central parts of the country from February 18 onwards.

Under the influence of this weather system, moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is expected in Islamabad and Punjab, including Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, and Kasur from February 17 night to February 21, while light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan on February 18 and February 19. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.

In Gilgit-Baltistan, moderate to heavy rain, wind, and thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills are expected in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar.

In Kashmir, heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm with snowfall over the hills is likely in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from February 17 (night) to February 21 (day), with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during this period.

In 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 (night) to February 20 with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorms may also occur during the period.

In Balochistan, rain-wind/thunderstorms with snowfall over the hills are expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel, and Kohlu on February 18 (evening or night) and February 19.

In Sindh, dry weather with strong gusty winds is expected in the southern parts of the province from February 18–20.

About the possible impacts of the rain, the PMD said that heavy rain and snowfall may disrupt and cause the closure of roads in Murree, Galiyat, 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, Galiyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the forecast period.

Windstorms and hailstorms may damage loose structures like electric poles, vehicles, solar panels, etc.

Farmers and tourists have been advised to remain extra cautious during the spell, while all concerned authorities must remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situations during the forecast period.