The Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a crucial alert concerning an impending spell of heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to impact Karachi and several other districts across Sindh this week. This advisory comes following the latest weather forecast released by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), which predicts significant rainfall accompanied by strong winds and hail in various parts of the province.
the forecast, the port city of Karachi along with Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Larkana are likely to experience intermittent showers and thunderstorms on March 25, 26, 28, and 29. The PDMA has urged all relevant departments to remain vigilant and ensure that all necessary equipment and machinery are in place and ready for immediate deployment to mitigate any adverse effects of the weather.
In light of the expected conditions, the PDMA has cautioned residents about the potential risks posed by strong winds and hail, which could damage vulnerable structures including solar panels. A noticeable drop in temperatures is also anticipated during this period. Citizens have been advised to limit unnecessary travel to avoid accidents and disruptions. Tourists and travelers planning to visit the affected areas are encouraged to take appropriate safety measures, while farmers have been urged to safeguard their crops ahead of the forecasted rains.
This alert was issued under the direct supervision of Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, who convened a high-level meeting earlier in the day to discuss the weather outlook and preparedness strategies. During the meeting, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong presence of commissioners, deputy commissioners, and assistant commissioners in the field for at least the next seven days. He further instructed district administrations and local government bodies to be fully mobilized and ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies.
Authorities have been directed to ensure that all water drainage machinery is operational to prevent urban flooding, maintain smooth traffic flow, and remove any hazardous billboards or structures that could pose risks during strong winds. Public awareness campaigns are also being intensified to educate communities about precautionary measures and emergency protocols ahead of the anticipated weather disturbances.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a broader countrywide forecast covering the period from March 24 to 30. A western weather system is expected to enter parts of Balochistan starting March 24 and will intensify by the night of March 27. This system is predicted to bring wet spells to numerous districts including Panjgur, Turbat, Kech, Awaran, Gwadar, Pasni, Marwar, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Chagai, Dalbandin, Kalat, Sibi, Kohlu, Quetta, Barkhan, Naseerabad, Loralai, Ziarat, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Nushki, Harnai, Zhob, Qalat, and Mastung.
In addition to Balochistan, northern and northwestern regions are also expected to be affected by this weather system. Rainfall is forecasted in areas such as 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.
Punjab province will not be spared either, with showers expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, 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 during the same timeframe.
Furthermore, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are also forecasted to receive rainfall, adding to the widespread impact of this weather system across the country. The PMD has urged all provincial and local authorities to remain alert and prepared for any sudden changes in weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to minimize damage and ensure public safety.
