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08 Mar 2024 | 10:47 AM UTC

Pakistan: Adverse weather forecast across much of the country through at least March 15

Severe weather forecast across much of Pakistan through at least March 15. Transport, business, and utility disruptions possible.

Warning

Adverse weather is forecast across much of Pakistan through at least March 15. A weather system is forecast to enter Balochistan Province in western Pakistan March 9 and spread across northern regions through March 11 before another system moves in from the west across the country from March 12. As of March 8, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a press release stating that rain, wind, and thunderstorms are forecast across much of the country over the coming days. The PMD has forecast rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds with isolated heavy downpours over parts of Balochistan Province March 9-10, with further showers, storms, strong winds, and snowfall in elevated parts of the province expected March 10-13. Rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and snowfall in elevated areas are expected over parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province March 10-14, with heavy downpours and possible hail storms likely March 13-14, and over Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan administrative territories March 11-15. At times heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms are forecast over Islamabad Capital Territory and parts of Punjab Province March 11-14. Showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds are expected across parts of northern and western Sindh Province March 10-12, with dry but windy weather likely in southern parts of the province.

The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall may trigger flooding in parts of southwestern Balochistan Province March 9-10 and snowfall may cause transport disruptions in northern parts of the province March 10-13. Heavy rain and snow may also lead to transport disruptions and landslides across parts of northern Pakistan March 13-14. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages throughout parts of the country.

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 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.

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.