The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast a significant change in weather conditions across the country, with a westerly weather system expected to bring widespread rainfall from March 17 through March 20. This weather shift is set to coincide with the Eid ul Fitr holiday, impacting Karachi and various other parts of Sindh, as well as multiple provinces nationwide. The PMD’s detailed advisory highlights the likelihood of rain showers, breezy winds, and occasional thunderstorm activity during this period, signaling an unsettled but refreshing spell of weather.
This upcoming weather pattern is driven by a seasonal westerly wave, a natural meteorological phenomenon that typically affects Pakistan during this time of year. The system is anticipated to enter the western regions of the country by the evening or night of March 17 and gradually extend its influence across most areas by March 18. The active weather is expected to persist until March 20 before conditions begin to stabilize. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have issued timely warnings and safety recommendations to help residents prepare for the anticipated weather disruptions.
Balochistan is forecast to be the first province to experience the effects of this system. Cities and districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, and Awaran are expected to witness rainy and windy conditions, accompanied by occasional thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms. These weather events are likely to occur intermittently from the evening of March 17 through the morning of March 20, bringing much-needed moisture but also posing challenges for local residents and travelers.
Meanwhile, Sindh province will also see a notable shift in weather, with Karachi and other key cities including Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Mirpurkhas, Badin, and Thatta forecast to experience rain showers and cloudy skies, along with sporadic thunder on March 18 and 19. This marks a significant change from the typically dry and warm conditions prevalent in the region during this season. The rainfall is expected to provide relief from the heat but may also cause disruptions during the busy Eid holiday period.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the weather will turn rainy and breezy, with thundery intervals expected across a wide range of districts such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan. Higher altitude areas are likely to receive snowfall, adding to the complexity of the weather scenario. Isolated hailstorms may also occur in some locations, which could impact local agriculture and transportation. Residents in these hilly regions are advised to remain vigilant due to the increased risk of landslides and slippery mountain roads during this period.
The provinces of Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory will not be spared from the wet weather either. Cities such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, and Sahiwal are expected to experience rainy and breezy conditions, with isolated hail possible from the night of March 17 through the morning of March 20. Southern Punjab, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan, will see similar weather patterns on March 18 and 19. This widespread precipitation is likely to bring cooler daytime temperatures, offering a temporary respite from the recent warm spell.
Further north, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir will also witness rainy and cloudy weather accompanied by thundery spells and snowfall over higher elevations. Areas such as Hunza, Gilgit, Skardu, Diamir, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Poonch, Mirpur, and Kotli are included in the forecast from the evening of March 17 onward. Some heavier rainfall is possible, particularly over Kashmir, which could affect travel plans and local infrastructure.
The Met Office has emphasized several safety considerations during this period. Residents in mountainous and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir should be cautious of potential landslides and road blockages caused by heavy rain and snow. Lightning strikes may occur in isolated locations during thunderstorms, making it advisable to stay indoors during severe weather. Farmers are urged to protect their crops, as hail in some areas could damage standing plants. Additionally, travelers planning to move during Eid are encouraged to stay updated on weather and road conditions, avoid unnecessary journeys during heavy rain, and take all necessary precautions to ensure safety.
Government agencies and emergency services have been alerted and are actively preparing to respond to any weather-related incidents. The coordinated efforts aim to minimize disruptions and safeguard the public throughout the forecast period. As the nation approaches the Eid ul Fitr celebrations, this spell of wet and cooler weather serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and caution in the face of changing climatic conditions.
