Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across central, northern, and western regions through at least Nov. 10

Adverse weather is forecast across central, northern, and western regions of Pakistan through at least Nov. 10. As of Nov. 7, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that a weather system currently affecting western parts of the country will spread over northern regions through Nov. 10. Light-to-moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are expected to continue over parts of northern Balochistan through Nov. 7 and will affect Islamabad Capital Territory, southeastern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and northern and western Punjab provinces late Nov. 7. Further showers, storms, and strong winds are forecast over much of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad Capital Territory, and central and northern Punjab late Nov. 8-9. Rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and snowfall over mountainous areas are expected over parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories late Nov. 8-10.

The PMD has also warned that patches of smog and fog are expected to develop over the plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab over the coming days. This will likely exacerbate the situation in parts of Punjab that have been affected by high levels of air pollution in recent days. Air quality in Multan, Lahore, and other areas has been recorded at hazardous levels and provincial authorities have announced a four-day holiday Nov. 9-12 as part of plans to reduce pollution levels. Schools, offices, markets, parks, and cinemas will be closed during this period.

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.

A landslide in the Sherani area of Balochistan Province Nov. 6 blocked a section of the Zhob-Dera Ismail Khan Highway, which links Balochistan, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Further transport disruptions are possible over the coming days due to the adverse weather. 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.

In areas affected by high levels of air pollution, vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, people suffering from asthma or other lung diseases, and people with heart disease, are at particular risk of negative health consequences from the smoke. The low air quality could cause disruptions at airports in the affected region due to reduced visibility.