14 Apr 2023 | 04:03 AM UTC
Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least April 20
Severe weather forecast across much of Pakistan through at least April 20. Flooding and associated disruptions possible.
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across much of Pakistan through at least April 20. As of early April 14, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that a weather system is likely to enter the northern part of the country April 15 and spread across much of central and western Pakistan April 20. The system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, duststorms, and isolated hailstorms across much of the country over the coming days.
Rain, dust storms, and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms, are likely in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories, northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Punjab provinces, and Islamabad Capital Territory the evening of April 15-20. Light rain, dust storms, and thunderstorms are likely in southern, eastern, and central Punjab and Sindh provinces April 17-18.
The department has warned that strong winds, dust storms, and hailstorms could cause damage to infrastructure and standing crops across parts of the country. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding and landslides in Chitral, Dir, Galiyat, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, Kohistan, Murree, and Swat April 18-19. 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 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 cancellations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible 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.
