Karachi is gearing up for a spell of rainfall this week as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has released an extensive forecast predicting widespread wet weather across the country. The weather agency has cautioned residents to expect not only rain but also strong winds, thunder, and lightning in various parts of Pakistan between March 24 and March 30. This forecast comes as a western weather system approaches, signaling a period of unsettled weather conditions for many regions.
The PMD highlighted that the western weather system will initially make its way into parts of Balochistan on March 24. Over the following days, this system is expected to gain strength, particularly by the night of March 27, bringing heavier rainfall and gusty winds. Under the influence of this system, several districts in Balochistan are likely to experience intermittent rain showers. Areas such as Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Gwadar, Pasni, and Marwar are on alert, along with other districts including Lasbela, Khuzdar, Chagai, Dalbandin, Kalat, Sibi, Kohlu, Quetta, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Loralai, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, Qalat, and Mastung. This widespread coverage indicates the extensive reach of the weather system across the province.
Meanwhile, Sindh province is also expected to witness rainfall, with Karachi and Hyderabad forecasted to receive showers on March 25, 26, 28, and 29. Other cities in Sindh such as Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Larkana, and Kashmore are also likely to see precipitation during this period. It is important to recall that during the last rain spell, Karachi experienced heavy downpours accompanied by thunder and lightning on the first day of Eid ul Fitr. This led to significant waterlogging in many low-lying neighborhoods, causing disruptions in daily life as flooded roads and potholes hampered traffic flow across the city.
Tragically, earlier this month, a severe thunderstorm with gale-force winds struck Karachi, resulting in the loss of at least 19 lives. This recent forecast by the PMD serves as a reminder for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for potential hazards linked to the upcoming weather events.
Beyond Balochistan and Sindh, the northern and northwestern parts of Pakistan are also expected to be affected by this weather system. Regions including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, Shangla, Kohistan, Malakand, Buner, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Balakot, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Kurram, Sawabi, Charsadda, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, and Dera Ismail Khan are forecasted to receive rainfall during this time frame. This broad impact highlights the system’s extensive influence across diverse terrains and climates.
In Punjab, showers are anticipated in several key cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Jhelum. Other districts such as Attock, Chakwal, Sargodha, Mianwali, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Khushab, Virkan, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Pakpattan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Multan, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan are also expected to experience rainfall between March 25 and 30. This widespread precipitation is likely to bring relief to many areas but may also cause localized disruptions.
Furthermore, the weather department has forecasted rain for Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) during the same period. These northern regions, known for their mountainous terrain, often see varied weather patterns, and the incoming showers could impact travel and outdoor activities. Overall, the PMD’s forecast underscores a significant weather event affecting a vast portion of Pakistan, urging citizens to stay updated and take necessary precautions as the week progresses.
