The Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a timely alert concerning an anticipated spell of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected to affect Karachi along with several other districts across the province. This warning comes as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts wet weather conditions from March 25 to 29, signaling the arrival of a significant weather system that could impact daily life and infrastructure.
the forecast, Karachi, the bustling port city, will experience intermittent rain showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. Other districts in Sindh, including Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Larkana, are also expected to be hit by these weather disturbances over the coming days. The PDMA has urged all relevant personnel to remain vigilant and ensure that emergency machinery and resources are fully operational to respond swiftly to any adverse situations.
In light of the forecasted weather, authorities have highlighted the potential risks posed by strong winds and hailstorms, which could cause damage to vulnerable structures such as weak buildings and solar panels. A noticeable drop in temperatures is also anticipated during this period. Residents have been advised to limit unnecessary travel to avoid hazards on the roads, while tourists and travelers are encouraged to take necessary precautions. Additionally, farmers have been cautioned to safeguard their crops ahead of the expected rains to minimize agricultural losses.
This alert follows a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, who emphasized the importance of preparedness and coordination among district administrations. He instructed all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and assistant commissioners to maintain a strong presence in their respective areas for at least the next seven days. Furthermore, local government bodies have been directed to mobilize fully, ensuring that water drainage systems are clear and functional, traffic management is maintained, and potentially dangerous billboards or signage are removed to prevent accidents during the stormy weather.
Public awareness campaigns are underway to educate citizens about the upcoming weather conditions and the necessary safety measures. The PDMA’s proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the rains and thunderstorms, ensuring that emergency response teams are ready to act promptly if required.
Expanding beyond Sindh, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a broader forecast covering the entire country from March 24 to 30. A western weather system is expected to enter parts of Balochistan starting March 24, intensifying by the night of March 27. This system will 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.
Moreover, northern and northwestern regions of Pakistan will also experience rainfall due to this weather system. 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 are expected to receive precipitation during this period.
In Punjab, the forecast predicts showers 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 between March 25 and 30.
Furthermore, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are also expected to witness rainfall during this timeframe, completing a nationwide pattern of wet weather. The comprehensive forecast underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness across multiple provinces as Pakistan braces for this widespread weather event.
