27 Mar 2023 | 12:31 PM UTC
Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least April 4
Severe weather forecast across much of Pakistan through at least April 4. Flooding and associated disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across much of Pakistan through at least April 4. As of March 27, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that a weather system is expected to enter western regions of the country on March 28 and spread across much of central and northern Pakistan through March 31. The system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms across much of the country over the coming days, as well as snowfall in mountainous regions. Another weather system is forecast to impact the country April 1-4.
Showers with isolated heavy downpours accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms, and possible hail are forecast over much of Balochistan province March 28-31 and parts of Punjab and Sindh provinces March 29-30. Showers, storms, strong winds, and isolated hail storms accompanied by snowfall in elevated areas are expected over parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and central and northern Punjab provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories late March 28-31. A second weather disturbance is expected to approach the western and northern regions of the country on April 1, and it will persist over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan through April 4.
The department has warned that strong winds and hailstorms could cause damage to infrastructure and standing crops across parts of the country. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding in parts of Balochistan March 28-29 and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Jammu, Kashmir, and Islamabad March 29-31. Urban flooding is also possible in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi March 29-31. Landslides are possible in hilly terrain across Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories, as well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab provinces. Daytime temperatures are forecast to fall significantly over the coming days. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Adverse weather has caused disruption across parts of the country in recent days. Heavy rainfall in Balochistan Province Mon arch 19 caused eight fatalities in Awaran District and two other fatalities in Zhob District due to flooding and collapsed roofs. The heavy rainfall and flooding damaged several houses across Awaran, Khuzdar, and Zhob districts. Authorities reported at least four fatalities, and 17 others were injured in rain-related incidents across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province following heavy rainfall on March 24. Two people were killed and several others injured after a roof collapsed in Mardan District. The other fatalities were reported in Peshawar City and South Waziristan District, and at least six homes across the province have been damaged.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.
Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancelations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
