Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast new rain spell

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted a new spell of heavy rain and snowfall across various regions of the country, starting from March 2 (Sunday).

In an official press release, the PMD stated, “A westerly weather system is expected to enter the western parts of Pakistan on March 2.”

Weather Forecast Breakdown

Punjab & Islamabad

Under the influence of this system, heavy rainfall is anticipated in Islamabad, as well as upper and central Punjab on March 2 and March 3. Additionally, Murree is likely to experience snowfall until March 4.

Light rain, wind, and thunderstorms are also expected in:

• Bhakkar, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Pakpattan, and Okara.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan & Kashmir

From March 2 (night) to March 4 (afternoon), the hilly regions of:

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, Shigar)
• Kashmir (Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur)

will experience rainfall, with heavy snowfall in certain areas.

Balochistan

The PMD has also forecasted rain and snowfall over the hills in:

• Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Mastung, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Chagai, Nushki, Kharan, Kalat, Barkhan, Khuzdar, Harnai, Zhob, and Sherani on March 2 and March 3.

Warnings & Precautions

The PMD has issued warnings regarding potential disruptions due to heavy snowfall. Moderate to heavy snowfall could cause:

• Road closures and slippery conditions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli.
• Landslides and avalanches in the hilly regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir.