MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a new spell of rain across Pakistan and snowfall in the hilly areas of Azad Kashmir and other areas from March 2 (tomorrow).
Met Office has issued a weather advisory forecasting rain, thunderstorms, and snowfall in the hilly areas of Kashmir including Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur from March 02 (night) to March 04 (afternoon).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar) will also receive heavy rain and snowfall from tomorrow.
As the heavy snowfall is predicted, the Met Office has confirmed the possibility of landslides or avalanches in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir during the period.
The weather advisory predicted that a westerly wave is likely to approach western parts of the country on March 2, leading to widespread rain and snowfall in hilly areas.
Under the influence of this weather system, heavy rainfall with thunderstorms is expected in Islamabad and upper and central Punjab on March 02 and 03, while Murree may receive snowfall the night of March 2 until the afternoon of March 4.
Furthermore, Bhakkar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Pakpattan, Okara, and Sukkur may receive light rain-wind/thunderstorm.
The weather in most parts of Sindh, including Karachi, is expected to remain cloudy in this duration. However, Karachi will see sunny days today and tomorrow, with strong winds possible on March 3.
Furthermore, Met Office forecast shows chances of rain along with snowfalls over the hills in Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Mastung, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagi, Noushki, Kharan, Kalat, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Harnai, Zhob and Sherani on March 02 and 03.
Impacts and advises
The PMD has issued a following advisory to ensure the safety of the public during adverse weather;
- Moderate to few heavy snowfalls may cause road closure/slippery conditions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Manshera, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch, Haveli during the forecast period.
- Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, upper Punjab /Islamabad, and Kashmir.
- Tourists and travelers visiting mountainous areas are advised to remain cautious during the period.
- Farmers are advised to manage their activities keeping in view the weather forecast period.
