A significant westerly weather system is set to influence Pakistan’s weather patterns starting from the evening of March 17, bringing widespread rainfall and unsettled conditions across much of the country. This weather activity is expected to continue through March 20, coinciding with the Eid ul Fitr holiday period, which means many regions including Karachi and other parts of Sindh will experience notable downpours during this festive time.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a comprehensive advisory outlining the expected weather developments. the forecast, the country will witness widespread rain showers, breezy winds, and intermittent thundery spells over the coming days. These conditions are attributed to a naturally occurring seasonal westerly wave, which typically brings moisture-laden air from the west, resulting in precipitation and cooler temperatures.
Initially, the western provinces will feel the effects of this system, with Balochistan being the first to experience rainy and windy weather. Cities and districts such as Quetta, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qilla Saifullah, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar, Kech, Gwadar, Panjgur, and Awaran are forecast to receive intermittent rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and isolated hailstorms. These conditions are expected to persist from the evening of March 17 through the morning of March 20, with occasional breaks in between.
Moving eastward, Sindh province will also be affected, with Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, and surrounding districts likely to see cloudy skies, rain showers, and thunder on March 18 and 19. This rainfall is particularly significant as it coincides with the Eid holidays, potentially impacting outdoor celebrations and travel plans.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will experience similar weather patterns, including rain, gusty winds, and thundery intervals. The higher altitude areas such as Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kalam, and Abbottabad are expected to receive snowfall, adding to the wintry conditions in the region. Other districts including Peshawar, Mansehra, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and Waziristan will also see rainfall with the possibility of isolated hail. These weather events could disrupt daily life and require caution, especially in mountainous areas.
Punjab and the federal capital Islamabad are not exempt from this weather change. Cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sargodha, and Sahiwal will experience rainy and breezy spells, with some areas possibly seeing hail from the night of March 17 until the morning of March 20. Southern Punjab, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan, will face similar conditions primarily on March 18 and 19, which may affect agricultural activities and travel.
Meanwhile, the northern territories of 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 this forecast. Some heavier rainfall is expected, particularly over Kashmir, which could lead to localized disruptions.
The Meteorological Department has emphasized several safety considerations during this period. Residents in hilly and mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir should remain vigilant against the risk of landslides, especially on slopes and mountain roads prone to instability. Additionally, lightning strikes may occur in isolated areas during thunderstorms, making it advisable for people to stay indoors during heavy rain to avoid accidents.
Farmers are urged to take precautionary measures to protect their crops from potential damage caused by hail and strong winds. The cooler daytime temperatures expected during these days will provide some relief from the usual heat but may also affect outdoor activities and travel plans. Travelers and tourists planning to move during Eid are advised to monitor weather updates closely, check road conditions regularly, and avoid unnecessary journeys during the most intense rainfall periods to ensure safety.
Government authorities across various departments have been alerted and are actively coordinating efforts to manage any emergencies arising from this weather system. These preparations aim to minimize disruptions and safeguard the public throughout the forecast period, ensuring that citizens can observe the Eid festivities with awareness and caution in light of the changing weather.
