The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a significant shift in weather conditions across the country, with a westerly weather system set to bring widespread rainfall from March 17 through March 20. This change is expected to affect Karachi and various other regions of Sindh during the Eid ul Fitr holiday, potentially impacting travel plans and outdoor celebrations. The PMD has issued a comprehensive advisory outlining the anticipated weather patterns, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for the upcoming unsettled conditions.
This westerly wave, a seasonal atmospheric disturbance that typically influences Pakistan’s weather during this time of year, is forecast to enter the western parts of the country by the evening or night of March 17. It will gradually spread eastward, covering a large portion of Pakistan by March 18, before gradually subsiding by March 20. The arrival of this system will bring a refreshing break from the recent dry spell, but it will also introduce breezy conditions, intermittent thunderstorms, and occasional hail in several areas.
Balochistan is expected to be the first province to experience the effects of this weather system. Cities and districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, and Awaran will see rainy and windy conditions starting from the evening of March 17. These areas may also witness isolated hailstorms and thunder, which could cause disruptions. The rain is likely to continue intermittently until the morning of March 20, providing much-needed moisture to the region but also requiring caution due to slippery roads and potential flash flooding.
Meanwhile, Sindh will experience cloudy skies accompanied by scattered rain showers and occasional thunder on March 18 and 19. Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, and several other districts are included in this forecast. The rainfall during Eid could affect outdoor festivities and travel plans, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay updated on weather developments and take necessary precautions.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also see a mix of rain, breezy weather, and thundery intervals, with snowfall expected over the higher elevations. Areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan will be impacted by this system. The possibility of isolated hail in some locations adds to the need for caution, especially for those traveling through mountainous terrain where road conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Punjab and the federal capital Islamabad, along with Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, and Sahiwal, will experience rainy and breezy spells with isolated hail from the night of March 17 through the morning of March 20. Southern Punjab cities including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan are also expected to receive similar weather on March 18 and 19. These conditions will likely bring cooler daytime temperatures, offering relief from recent heat but also requiring residents to be prepared for wet weather.
In the northern regions of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, the weather will turn cloudy and rainy with thundery spells and snowfall over higher altitudes. Areas such as Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Diamir, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Mirpur, and Kotli will experience these conditions starting from the evening of March 17. Some heavier rainfall is possible, particularly over Kashmir, which could impact travel and local activities during the Eid period.
The Met Office has highlighted several safety concerns during this period. Residents in hilly and mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir should be cautious of potential landslides and slippery slopes, which can pose serious risks to both locals and travelers. Lightning strikes may occur in isolated areas during thunderstorms, making it advisable to remain indoors during heavy rain. Farmers are also encouraged to protect their crops from possible damage caused by hail and strong winds.
Authorities across the country have been alerted and are actively monitoring the situation to ensure public safety. They have issued timely guidance to help citizens stay informed and take necessary precautions. Travelers planning to move during the Eid holidays are advised to keep an eye on weather updates, avoid unnecessary journeys during intense rainfall, and prepare for possible delays or road closures. Overall, while the rain will bring much-needed moisture and cooler temperatures, it also calls for heightened awareness and preparedness to navigate the challenges posed by this active weather system.
