The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a forecast highlighting the arrival of a westerly wave that is expected to affect the western and northern parts of the country starting Monday evening, March 9. This weather system is projected to remain active until March 12, bringing a significant change in weather patterns across various districts.
Under the influence of this approaching westerly wave, residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s northern districts including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Haripur can anticipate partly cloudy to fully overcast skies. These areas are likely to experience moderate rainfall accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms during this period. Similarly, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir regions will also witness similar weather conditions starting from the evening of March 9 through to March 12, marking a notable shift from the recent dry spell.
Meanwhile, lighter rainfall with intermittent wind and thunderstorm activity is expected in other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa such as Khyber, Mohmand, Peshawar, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Bajaur, Bannu, Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu, and Mianwali districts. This precipitation is forecasted mainly for March 10 and 11, providing some relief to these areas which have been experiencing dry and dusty conditions.
The federal capital Islamabad and the surrounding Pothohar region, including Murree and the Galliyat areas, are also likely to see rainfall beginning on the night of March 9 and continuing until March 11. The meteorological department has warned of the possibility of hailstorms occurring at isolated locations within Islamabad and other upper parts of the country during this timeframe, which could pose risks to agriculture and local infrastructure.
Alongside the precipitation, daytime temperatures in the higher altitude regions are expected to drop by approximately 3 to 4 degrees Celsius. This cooling effect will be a direct consequence of the cloud cover and rain brought by the westerly wave. However, such temperature fluctuations may increase the risk of landslides, especially in vulnerable and mountainous areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. Authorities and residents in these regions are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate potential hazards.
Overall, this weather event marks an important seasonal transition, bringing much-needed moisture to northern Pakistan after a relatively dry period. The combination of rain, thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures will impact daily life and travel plans, particularly in the hilly and mountainous zones. It is advisable for people living in the affected districts to stay updated on weather alerts and prepare accordingly for the coming days.
