20 Mar 2023 | 04:16 PM UTC
Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast to continue across much of the country through at least March 24 /update 1
Further severe weather forecast across much of Pakistan through at least March 24. Flooding and associated disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast to continue across much of Pakistan through at least March 24. As of March 20, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that a weather system is forecast to move over the country March 21-22, bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms across much of the country over the coming days.
Showers with isolated heavy downpours accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms are forecast over parts of Balochistan province from late March 21-24. Heavy rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, and isolated hail storms are expected over parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Territory March 21-24. Isolated showers, storms, and strong winds are forecast over Gilgit-Baltistan Administrative Territory March 21-24, and scattered showers, strong winds, thunderstorms, hail storms, and dust storms are forecast over parts of Sindh Province March 21-23.
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 and southwestern Punjab provinces March 22-23 and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir, and Islamabad March 23-24. Urban flooding is also possible in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and Rawalpindi March 23-24. 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.
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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. 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 cancellations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see 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.
