16 May 2023 | 11:26 AM UTC
Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across central and northern regions through at least May 18
Severe weather forecast across central and northern Pakistan through at least May 18. Possible transport, business, and utility disruptions,
Event
Adverse weather is forecast across much of central and northern Pakistan through at least May 18. As of May 16, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned a system is likely to enter northern parts of the country late May 16 and will spread over northern and central Pakistan over the coming days, bringing rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, dust storms, and isolated hailstorms across affected areas of the country.
Showers, strong winds, dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated hail storms are expected over parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and central and northern Punjab provinces, as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories and Islamabad Capital Territory May 17-18. Showers, strong winds, dust storms, and thunderstorms are forecast in parts of central and northern Balochistan, southern Punjab, and northern Sindh provinces late May 16-17.
The department has warned that strong winds and dust storms could cause damage to infrastructure and standing crops across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The general public is advised to shelter in place during dust storms or thunderstorms. 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 rain 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. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at airports in the affected regions. 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.
