Weather Update: PDMA Issues Flood Warning as PMD Predicts Rains Across Parts of Pakistan

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab has issued a flood warning after Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) weather forecast predicted heavy rains and strong winds across various parts of the country, including Islamabad and Punjab.

“As intimated by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Murree, Galiyat, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore and Kasur from February 17 to 21,” the PDMA said in a notification.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan between February 18 and 19. Furthermore, the PDMA notification is shared below.

PMD Weather Forecast

Met Office informed that a strong westerly wave is likely to approach western parts on 17th (night) and may grip upper/central parts of the country on 18th February.

Under the influence of this weather system, there are chances of moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (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 17th (night) to 21st Feb with occasional gaps.

Furthermore, heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (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 17th (night) to 20th Feb with occasional gaps. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

As for Punjab, moderate to heavy rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur from 17th (night) to 21st February, while light to moderate rain-wind/thunderstorm in Multan, Bhakkar, Kot Addu, Layyah, Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan on 18th & 19th February. Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the period.

Meanwhile, in Balochistan, rain-wind / thunderstorm (snowfall over the hills) is expected in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhel and Kohlu on 18th (evening/night) & 19th Feb. However, Sindh weather is expected to remain dry with strong gusty winds in southern parts of the province from 18th to 20th Feb.

Possible Impacts and Advises

• Heavy rain/snowfall may disrupt and cause closure of roads in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from 18th to 20th February.
• Possibility of landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan cannot be ruled out during the forecast period.
• Wind-thunderstorm/hailstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, Vehicles and solar panels etc.
• Farmers and tourists are advised to remain extra cautious during the spell.

Here is a copy of the notification: