Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least April 1

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Pakistan through at least April 1. A weather system is expected to move into western Pakistan from March 27 before spreading over central and northern regions March 28 and persisting through at least March 31. As of March 26, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a press release warning of rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across much of the country over the coming days. The PMD has forecast rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds with snowfall in mountainous areas across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province March 27-31 and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories March 27-April 1, with occasional gaps. Isolated heavy downpours and possible hail storms are likely across northern regions March 29-30. Rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms with isolated hail and wind storms are expected in Islamabad Capital Territory and central, eastern, and northern Punjab Province late March 27-31 and across much of the rest of Punjab Province March 28-30. Rainfall, strong winds, and thunderstorms are also forecast across central, eastern, and northeastern parts of Balochistan Province March 27-29 and parts of northern and western Sindh Province March 28-29. A combination of strong winds and dry weather is likely to generate dust storms in southern parts of Balochistan and Sindh provinces over the coming days.

The PMD has warned that moderate-to-heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in parts of northern Pakistan March 29-30. Strong winds, lightning, and hail may cause damage to crops, electricity infrastructure, and vehicles. Temperatures are likely to drop in many areas during the period of adverse weather.

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 or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Precipitation could fall as snow in the higher elevations of northern Pakistan over the coming days. Wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant winds, flooding, or landslides impact utility networks.

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. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. 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.